School of Creative
Industries
Lela
Lela is a well-travelled woman whose worldly experiences have allowed her to communicate and connect with people from all walks of life. Over the last 15 years, Lela taught art in secondary schools, children with special needs, and was involved in volunteer work. She recently reconnected with her passion for art, and decided to help others through art therapy.
Her clinical placements include working with adults with disabilities in a day activity centre, and students in a special needs school. She conducted and facilitated art sessions with healthcare workers and seniors from a church outreach group.
Lela hopes to enhance and empower her clients’ and their caregivers’ lives. She is passionate about working with neurotypical children and neurodivergent individuals of any age. Fascinated by the amalgamation of mixed media, her art is usually flamboyant, textured and colourful, inspired by nature, architecture, people, and her greatest love of all – travelling.
Work
Sensory Intersubjectivity
Mixed media on canvas
41 x 41 cm each
2023
Sensory Intersubjectivity is a mixed media artwork delineating three people's unique way of processing and integrating information from their body and environment. It is an homage to past clients that the artist has worked with.
Inspired by nature, architecture, people and travel, the artist has always been drawn to lines, texture, shape and colors. Through meticulous arrangement of objects and intricate layers of rhythmic mark-making, she allowed her unconscious mind to steer her art, creating an organic flow. The artist hopes to spark curiosity and contemplation through the eight senses.
Thesis abstract
Sensory intersubjectivity in art therapy – the key to facilitating attachment with adolescents on the autism spectrum disorder with sensory processing differences
Mental health with adolescents on the autism spectrum disorder with sensory processing difference is often considered secondary among therapeutic interventions. Art therapy has shown the efficacy in repairing impaired attachment and ameliorating inappropriate behaviours which are hallmark symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. A retrospective multiple-case vignettes qualitative analysis identified 11 themes as prerequisite for facilitating attachment through sensory intersubjectivity: (1) understanding individuals’ SPD (2) accommodating and modifying the environment (3) special interests as entry point for engagement (4) client-led approach (5) providing structure, routine and boundaries (6) material familiarity (7) process over product (8) sense of safety (9) observation and monitoring (10) managing distress and problem behaviour, and (11) analysing and planning. Consequently, when attachment has been repaired, there were significant improvements in in appropriate, challenging, or problem behaviours. Art therapists can use this rich and valuable insights for working with the neurodivergent population, regardless of functional level and chronological age.