Is Coloring an OK activity for adults with I.D.D.?

When I founded and Directed a day program (WINGS) I was against coloring in coloring books as an activity during Program. This was 2006, before ‘Adult-Coloring Books’ became popular.

It seemed like a cliché activity for adults with I.D.D. (Intellectual/developmental disabilities). It seemed (my bias) age-inappropriate for adults, non-creative, limiting and mind-less.

I was focused on using “Best Practices” by trying to move away from stereotypic activities toward ‘enrichment’ activities. My staff just scratched their heads and went along with my request to steer folks to other activities. We had a professional Artist who came to our program for weekly art lessons. 

She did a great job with breaking down a project into steps, coaxing, modeling, practicing, and encouraging the participants with their art projects. We stayed away from a ‘crafty’ grade school type focus and the group created some wonderful art. 

The participants were proud of their work. We framed and displayed their work on our walls. We turned their art into their own personal Art Note Cards with their photo and bio on the back. 

YAY ART.

A few years later my daughter was sitting across from me at home coloring in an old coloring book. I tried to stay quiet, but finally said; “Why are you coloring instead of drawing your own pictures?” “It relaxes me to color like this.”

Humm. Maybe I needed to find out more.

I called my sister who has a MS degree in Counseling Psychology and learned; Vanessa was right and I was wrong. Coloring is therapeutic and calming for many people:

• Adults

• People of all ages with IDD

• People with Autism

• People with anxiety or depression, well, actually ANY and all people.

Therapists suggest coloring to patients

• To unwind 

• To ‘reduce the chatter of the restless mind’ just like the benefits of meditation to the brain.

• Coloring helps people focus on the present moment,

• To feel comfortable: A great tool to balance mental, emotional, and intellectual health.

Notice the dress? It wasn’t in the original.

Clearly she can still be creative while “coloring inside the lines”

My mind has expanded, and I now embrace Coloring Pages. Your ideas about how best to support your child will evolve and expand over time too. You and your child will always continue to develop.  

Thanks to JD for creating our free 300+ coloring pages: you’ll find more of his art on our website.