Autism Acceptance Day | Sophie helps Autistic people find creative connection

Creative expression can have a profound impact on Autistic people, helping to develop independence, boost confidence, and provide a sense of freedom. For University of South Wales (USW) student, Sophie Chen, leading creative sessions for adults with autism at Autism Life Centres in Tonypandy became a transformative experience, not only for the participants but also for herself.

Sophie, a final-year student on the BA (Hons) Creative and Therapeutic Arts degree, initially found the idea of a placement daunting due to her struggles with anxiety.

"I was really nervous at first because I hadn’t worked with Autistic people before," Sophie explained.

"I’m naturally a quiet person, so communicating with a loud group was a big challenge. But the staff were really supportive, and as time went on, I became more comfortable."

During the placement, Sophie created art sessions designed to help participants develop independence and creative expression. Activities included painting and card-making, with themed projects for events such as Remembrance Day and Children in Need. One particularly successful session involved using recycled materials to create poppies, which participants found both engaging and accessible.

"I wanted the sessions to empower the participants and give them the confidence to make choices about what they wanted to create," Sophie said.

"It was about helping them feel free and independent in their creativity.

"Some participants found certain textures or materials overwhelming, so I had to adjust the activities to make sure everyone felt comfortable," she explained.

Her sessions were so well received that Autism Life Centres offered Sophie the opportunity to continue running them in the future. "They said the sessions were really aligned with the needs of the participants, which was amazing to hear," she said.

Sophie’s placement experience marks a significant personal achievement after overcoming health challenges earlier in her degree. Diagnosed with lupus, Sophie faced mobility issues during her first two years at university and later underwent surgery unrelated to her Lupus. Despite these setbacks, she was determined to push herself in her final year.

"After everything I’ve been through, this placement really helped me step out of my comfort zone and grow in confidence," Sophie said. "It’s made me realise that working with Autistic people could be something I’d like to pursue in the future, fostering independence and wellbeing within the autistic community."

Dr Dan Bowers, Head of Psychology, said: “At USW, engagement, collaboration, and partnership working is at the heart of everything we do. 

“Congratulations to Sophie for stepping outside of her comfort zone, and many thanks to Autism Life Centres for welcoming our students to work with them.”