Neurodevelopment discussion: What children illustrate

Post date: May 01, 2020 10:19:21 PM

The art of a child plays a huge role in their neurodevelopment. Dr. Curtis Cripe believes that what a child illustrates can prove to be one of the best means of communication between them and their parents. Many neurodevelopmental experts, mental health professionals, and workers in the realm of psychology have documented what children illustrate as it may be an indicator of the things they cannot verbalize. On many occasions, a child’s drawing has been found to reflect many of their difficult moments in life. In fact, illustrations have been used many times in child abuse cases to determine whether a child has suffered at the hands of adults. 

  However, a child’s illustrations are not all about pain and suffering. Many behavioral therapists, psychologists, doctors, teachers, and parents have found that drawing soothes children, the same way activities such as cross-stitching or listening to smooth crossover music calm adults. For many children, drawing has become an outlet. For parents, the illustrations of their children can be a source of insight into the latter’s personality and thoughts. This is why drawing has become quite an important activity for many households, especially those with young children. At those developmental ages when communication is still limited, drawing provides an avenue where children and parents can meet in the middle, Dr. Curtis Cripe adds. Dr. Curtis Cripe is a neuroengineer with a diverse multidisciplinary background that includes software development, bioengineering, addiction recovery, psychophysiology, psychology, brain injury, and child neurodevelopment. For similar reads, visit this blog.