'Artists think outside the box, and SEND families need this'

Creative activity that's offered, not dictated, matters
The creative arts have played a large role in both boys lives, so I was keen to bring my autistic son to his first workshop in 2019 – we have been coming regularly ever since!

Initially, my expectations were not high, as we have experienced a lack of sincere understanding in workshops at other venues. However, my expectations were surpassed at Autograph and I was so moved by the whole experience. The workshop leaders were welcoming, knowledgeable and empathetic; my son was laughing and happy to be around other attendees. An array of activities was offered, not dictated, both indoors and outdoors.

A no-pressure approach builds trust
With the no-pressure approach at the workshops, my son is in his element. He has never been told he cannot do something, nor has he ever been judged for the various things he likes doing (taking lids off of marker pens, running back and forth what seems like hundreds of times). He has allowed the workshop leaders to be in his space, which is rare, and says a lot about them and his trust of them. We take photos at the workshops and he often chooses to look back at these, smiling.

Access to creativity supports SEND families to process, learn, communicate and cope
I 100% believe SEND workshops should take place at cultural institutions and organisations. These places, their leaders, their staff know art, they know creativity, they have the imagination required to offer and conduct such workshops.

Artists, in general, tend to think outside the box and offer creative solutions and SEND families need this. I am a big believer in social prescribing – a non-clinical approach that connects individuals with community-based creative activities to improve well-being – and I think Autograph’s SEND Programme is a leader in this regard. For our families, creativity allows for learning, processing, coping, engaging and communicating in ways nothing else does.