Art therapy becomes outlet for autism

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Like most parents, Matt and Sharon Sekosky wanted their child to make a positive contribution to society, but as a person with autism and unable to communicate, their son Jarrett was going to have some difficulties.

“As our kids get older and start transitioning into adulthood, what are they going to do?” Matt Sekosky said with some worry.

But as many young adults already know, Jarrett just needed to find his passion. He found it in art. Jarrett, 20, paints on large canvases using watercolors and acrylics. His paintings have become so popular he was featured in his first exhibit, “Finding a Voice through Art,” during the Decatur Art Council's First Friday Walk on May 1 at the Blue Connection.

About 500 guests visited the gallery during the event, purchasing most of the available paintings. The remainder were sold a few days following.

The proceeds will go toward future art therapy programs for people with special needs. The Sekoskys have teamed up with Macon Resources Inc. to provide classes taught by Millikin University interns. The goal is to provide a summer session estimated to cost $5,000. The family wants to offer others the guidance they received for their son.

The Argenta-Oreana High School student has always loved to create art, but his family didn't recognize his talent until he picked up a paint brush his freshman year.

“Because he can't verbalize something he enjoys, we found this by accident,” said his mother, Sharon.

Before he began painting, Jarrett would color an entire page in one color leaving it thick with crayon. The pressure was the sensory stimulation he craved. The family found when Jarrett was creating that he was calm and focused.

The high school art classes were helpful, but they weren't used as the therapy Jarrett needed.

As the only art therapy studio available in Decatur, the Cancer Care Center of Decatur was able to offer him opportunities. The studio not only helps patients, but is also an internship for students in Millikin University's Art as Therapy program. It was at the studio that Jarrett met intern Jessica Claussen. The two have been working together for three years.

“I'm just there to help him create his art,” Claussen said.

Jarrett starts his day with markers. Then he moves on to paints.

“We'll pick out a certain color pallet,” Claussen said. “He still picks out the colors, but I've got it narrowed down to a theme.”

Part of her job is to help Jarrett learn about themes, as well moods and color pallets.

“We focus on blending and not being so aggressive,” she said. “His eyes are focusing on it.”

Since Jarrett is nonverbal, interacting with him has additional challenges.

“You have to ask simple questions,” Claussen said.

Millikin University and the Cancer Care Center of Decatur have a relationship that benefits both institutions.

“Our undergraduates learn much and our community can benefit in learning how the arts are not only expressive but physically and mentally therapeutic,” said Annette Russo, an assistant professor in the Millikin University Art Department.

Russo was able to see the progression Jarrett was making during his days in the art therapy studio.

“Personal expression in the arts were valuable since the talent was there, though the words were not,” she said.

The Sekoskys know many parents with special-needs children are in the same situation: what to do with a child at the "cliff", referring to the time following high school when public funding and support are no longer available. The family is hoping Jarrett's art will be a viable income.

But they want to help others with the same frustrations they had.

“There's probably others out there,” Matt Sekosky said .

The art therapy sessions will have 20 to 30 students per class. They will be available to people with disabilities throughout Macon and Piatt counties.

“We know there's got to be others if they had the opportunity,” Matt Sekosky said.