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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭

My son enjoys the activities I leave for him and prefers to take them upstairs and use like colouring pens and paints. He paints toy wooden cars, boxes and colouring book. But staff get fed up of mess he makes. I am not sure but if left downstairs other students start doing and he can't then do
What to do about staff's annoyance or stop giving him paints or colouring pens etc

August 18
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A MyAutismTeam Member

I would complain to the director of whom ever is in charge of the home he lives in.

August 22
A MyAutismTeam Member

Are you able to find a puzzle table at a flea market that can be used for crafts and small enough to fit in his safe space as his work area. If its a childcare center/school placement boundaries can be taught (like saying you can't take home the kitchen sink but you can take home what is in your cubby)

Key Benefits of Art
Non-verbal communication: Colors and shapes help express thoughts that are hard to say out loud.Sensory regulation: Working with clay or paint helps the body process different textures safely.Better motor skills: Drawing, cutting, and gluing strengthen hand-eye coordination.Emotional calm: Creating art reduces anxiety and provides a peaceful outlet.Higher confidence: Finishing a project brings a strong sense of pride and personal achievement.

August 19
MyAutismTeam

What a great question — and it's wonderful that your son has found creative activities he genuinely loves! Taking away the paints and pens shouldn't be the first option, especially since these activities are clearly meaningful to him.

Here are some practical ideas to help balance his enjoyment with the staff's concerns:

- Show Full Answer

What a great question — and it's wonderful that your son has found creative activities he genuinely loves! Taking away the paints and pens shouldn't be the first option, especially since these activities are clearly meaningful to him.

Here are some practical ideas to help balance his enjoyment with the staff's concerns:

- Designate a specific space in his room for art activities — a table with a washable mat or old sheet underneath to catch mess
- Use washable paints and pens so cleanup is much easier for staff
- Create a simple cleanup routine he can follow after each session, making it part of the activity itself
- Use a tray or box to contain the mess — everything stays within one area
- Pre-portion supplies so only a set amount is taken upstairs at a time

Regarding other students joining in downstairs — having a dedicated private space upstairs actually supports his need to engage with activities independently, which is a real positive!

A MyAutismTeam member once shared that focusing on what their child *can* do, rather than the challenges around it, made a huge difference in how everyone around their child responded.

Talking openly with staff about these strategies and framing it as a team effort could really help ease their frustration too.

August 18

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