Art for autism's sake

A group of  Thai artists demonstrated how art can work wonders for autistic children last month by flying into Myanmar to host a two-day art therapy workshop at Yangon Children’s Hospital.

A collaboration between the Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Fine Arts and the Myanmar Autism Association, the session was joined by more than 20 autistic children who were accompanied by 40 teachers, parents and volunteers. The wife of the Thai ambassador to Myanmar, Thipayasuda Suvanajata, opened the event. 

The workshop was run by were experts in art therapy from Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Fine Arts including the faculty’s dean Associate Professor Pongdej Chaiyakut, vice dean Assistant Professor Padungsak Kochsomrong and artist Komsan Pumpanya. The three shared their knowledge and experiences in using art as a means of improving the learning skills and IQ of children with autistic disorders. 

Through various group activities, parents, teachers and children learned how to develop bonding and a better understanding of the needs of autistic kids. 

The workshop was a sequel to a seminar held last February by the Rainbow Room, a non-profit organisation, to raise awareness of autism. It also marked another significant chapter in the two countries’ strong bilateral ties. 

“The Embassy is proud that Thailand is able to lend a helping hand for Myanmar children with autism to grow up and realise their full potentials” said Thai Ambassador Pisanu Suvanajata. 

Transportation and accommodation for the artists was provided by Nok Air and Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon.