RTOPIA by IAC x DSFI: A two-day Interactive Art Event for Neurodivergent Self Advocates

Date: 13th & 14th September 2024

Time- 9.30 AM - 1.00 PM

Venue- Vedic Village, Kolkata

“I found I could say things with colours and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way- things I had no words for.”- said famed artist Georgia O’Keefe.

We, at IAC understand her emotions, and could not agree more.

We recently organised a two-day interactive art event, Artopia, in collaboration with the Down Syndrome Federation of India. It was part of DSFI’s Down Syndrome Conference in 2024.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that arises when an individual has an extra or partial copy of Chromosome 21. This often leads to the individual being impacted by physical and mental challenges. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder.

The importance of parent communities

Parent and caregiver communities are crucial. They encourage and help neurodivergent individuals embrace the challenges of this disorder. This helps in significantly reducing the anxieties and stress that neurodivergent people and their families often suffer from.

Parent communities can often be very resourceful in helping others find evidence-backed interventions and navigate educational and rehabilitation institutes. It is our goal at IAC to empower the neurodivergent community as a whole while also raising awareness within mainstream society.

With the rise in the number of people diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders in India, we hope to create a nurturing environment for them and their families—an oasis where we can accommodate and support every kind of challenge or diverse need, whether it is the neurodivergent individual, their parents, or their siblings.

Organisations dedicated to working with neurodivergent individuals play a key role in their life experiences and are crucial to their future through specially designed interventions that meet their unique needs.

Art therapy, of course, stands out as a powerful tool that aids emotional, social and cognitive development in neurodivergent individuals.

Importance of Art Therapy for neurodivergent individuals

Art therapy has long been lauded for its therapeutic and mental health benefits. A study by the American Art Therapy Association found that even 45 minutes of creative activity decreases stress levels in the body, regardless of the individual’s experience or skill in artistic pursuits.

For neurodiverse individuals, art therapy can play an integral role in calming the mind and the body. Indulging in art activities can provide such individuals with a unique outlet for expression and communication. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders conducted a study on the effects of art therapy on neurodiverse people. They found that art therapy improves their social skills. It also reduces troublesome behavioural patterns in children with autism.

Highlights of Artopia

The Artopia event was a jubilant success! We had over 100 neurodivergent participants, the youngest being only a year old and the eldest being 45!

We also had 37 Graduate and Postgraduate psychology students from Amity University who participated in the event as volunteers. They helped with the activities and provided any other assistance the neurodevelopmentally challenged participants required.

It was a profoundly fulfilling experience for the young psychology students, who aspire to become autism therapy professionals someday themselves. They also received a brief orientation on Down Syndrome.

Impact of Artopia

The two-day interactive art event left every participant with a smile on their faces, and deep emotional gratification.

We realised the power of art as an instrument, To communicate and engage when words fail or are simply not enough. This shared bonding experience as a community, will definitely remain in the hearts and the minds of everyone present.

We hope that the art materials gifted to the neurodivergent children at the end of the event will further encourage them to spend more time in artistic pursuits.

After all, due to its ability to break through traditional communication barriers, art therapy has emerged as a winner. For neurodivergent children, it’s an evidence-based practice. It significantly enhances their quality of life and educational experiences.

Conclusion

After the success of Artopia, we hope to organise many more interactive events such as this.

We do hope to see you there!

Till then, let your paintbrush help you through the peaks and the valleys.

 Author: Medha Dey | Training Academy Mentor