The Benefits of Art Therapy for People with Autism

Tammy Peterside
3 min readJan 20, 2023
Stephen Wiltshire draws a panoramic view of Tokyo’s skyline

A couple of years ago I had come across a video of Stephen Wiltshire. The incredible talent of this artist who was able to draw the skyline of Rome after only a 45-minute helicopter ride was fascinating. Stephen Wiltshire is a British artist who has gained worldwide fame for his detailed, panoramic cityscape drawings. He is known for his ability to memorize and recreate complex landscapes and cityscapes from memory after seeing them just once.

Wiltshire was diagnosed with autism and struggled with verbal communication at a young age. His first words were at the age of 5. However, he showed a natural talent for art from a young age and was able to express himself through drawing.

Wiltshire’s cityscape drawings are incredibly detailed and accurate, often including hundreds of buildings and landmarks. He has drawn cityscapes from around the world, including London, New York, Tokyo, and Rome. His drawings have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and he has been commissioned to create works for clients such as the Queen of England and the president of the United Arab Emirates.

In recent years, the use of art as a therapeutic intervention for individuals with autism has gained increasing recognition. Studies have shown that incorporating art into therapy can improve communication skills…

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Tammy Peterside

Data Enthusiast | Creative Storyteller | Mental Health Advocate