This presentation will discuss the potential of art therapy techniques to support emotional regulation for children with a history of neurodevelopmental disabilities, trauma, and/or mental health challenges. Rebekah & Carolyn will present a brief art therapy program that was developed to reduce anxiety for autistic children and discuss how a similar program may be adapted for adoptive, foster, and kinship families and professionals supporting these families. Session participants will be invited to experience art therapy using materials commonly found in any home or office, like paper, pencils, scissors, glue sticks, and colored media such as markers. Use a few, or use them all!

Dr. Rebekah Hudock is an Assistant Professor and Pediatric Neuropsychologist at the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB). She specializes in diagnostic evaluations, therapy programming, and clinical research for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. Dr. Hudock is also a faculty mentor for the Leadership in Education and Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program and provides supervision for undergraduate and graduate students who are gaining clinical and research skills within the MIDB Clinic.

Carolyn Buller, MA, is working towards becoming licensed in mental health and art therapy. She earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling & Art Therapy Specialty from Adler Graduate School and completed an internship at the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain.