Most people see origami as an outlet for creativity or a simple way to pass the time. But did you know that recreational folding can be a therapeutic for individuals with autism, ADHD, and anxiety? There’s a growing appreciation for origami as a tool for coping and skills development. This activity provides neurodiverse individuals in particular with an outlet for self-expression among other things!
Origami and Anxiety
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, origami is an activity that might be worth exploring. The process of folding paper requires focus and attention, grounding individuals in the present moment and offering relief from racing thoughts and worries about the future. You see, the deliberate and rhythmic motions of folding origami paper serve as an active meditative practice. Completing an origami project also results in a beautiful work of art that can make someone feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Origami and Autism
Some autistic individuals may struggle with understanding abstract concepts, navigating unfamiliar or unpredictable situations, fine motor activities, and self-regulation. Origami presents an excellent opportunity to hone these skills, but it can also just be a comforting activity we can do with the company of friends and family.
So, what makes origami worth exploring as an activity for autistic individuals?
Well, origami involves a sequence of steps that provide guidance and predictability. Origami instructions often include clear and literal language, which is beneficial for individuals with autism who may find abstract language challenging to understand.
Origami can also improve hand dexterity and overall fine motor skills. Each fold requires careful manipulation and coordination of fingers that help develop precision control. Moreover, it helps improve visual-spatial skills by encouraging individuals to visualize shapes and arrangements in a three-dimensional space.
Not only that – Origami offers tactile stimulation through the sensory experience of folding paper. The tactile nature of the activity provides a calming sensation for autistic individuals who crave that type of input. By engaging with the physical materiality of paper, we experience a tangible connection to our creations which can create a sense of accomplishment and agency.
Origami provides those navigating sensory overload with a soothing reprieve and a means to unwind.
Some autistic individuals find comfort and enjoyment in solitary activities, appreciating the freedom that comes with pursuing interests independently. Origami offers a perfect avenue for people to engage in meaningful solitary play. It is one way to experiment with different shapes, colors, and designs, an opportunity to explore our creativity in a non-verbal way.
Origami and ADHD
Distractibility, racing thoughts, constant fidgeting, and difficulty following directions are just some of the signs and symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). How can origami benefit individuals with ADHD, you ask?
First off, Origami’s endless possibilities when it comes to designs and techniques can satisfy the craving for novel experiences by individuals with ADHD. Each new project presents a fresh challenge the keeps the mind engaged.
But not only that! Origami is an activity that can help build our ability to focus. As it turns out, single-tasking is more of a skill than multitasking. The process of making precise folds and complex shapes encourages mindfulness and sustained attention. Origami can also be the perfect screen-free activity if you are trying to recover from sensory overload caused by too much TV or doom scrolling.
If you have ADHD and benefit from visual and verbal cues, watching video tutorials for origami projects provides an excellent opportunity to practice your listening skills and working memory. An origami project may require you to remember multiple steps simultaneously. The mental process ranges from visualizing the initial folds to anticipating subsequent steps. The consistent practice of origami helps individuals with ADHD strengthen their working memory capacity and task management skills.
Now we know that origami is not just art—it is therapy.
Origami can be a part of a holistic approach to support individuals with neurological differences. It is a therapeutic tool that promotes relaxation, skills development, and self-expression. Origami turns out to be a versatile tool for neurodiverse individuals, and it’s inspiring to witness more people discovering joy and value in this art form.