Where Progress feels like play
LifeLab Kids began with a dream: to build a space that feels different. A space where neurodiverse children are celebrated for who they are, where support is playful, creative, and tailored to fit each child’s individual needs.
When Lifelab Kids was founded, it was not about just creating a therapy center, it was about creating a place where Art Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Recreational Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Psychotherapy & Counseling, Music Therapy, Technology programs, Social Connection Groups, and Vocational Programs come together to support the whole child. In this mix, art therapy helps in making a space for safe expression and emotional release.
Early Signs Therapy Can Support:
- Trouble expressing thoughts verbally.
- Withdrawal or Emotional overwhelm.
- Sensory Sensitivity or Avoidance.
- Difficulty Staying Engaged in Tasks.
How Art therapy can help:
- It provides a safe outlet for feelings and ideas.
- It strengthens focus and fine motor skills.
- It encourages decision-making and independence.
- It helps with emotional regulation.
- It supports sensory integration in a gentle, engaging way.
Tips for parents:
Let creativity lead. Offer your child materials paints, markers, clay and step back. No instructions or expected outcomes, just the freedom to explore and enjoy.
From the LifeLab Kids Community
Our Art Showcase was a joyful celebration of creativity, confidence, and connection!
Our children proudly shared their artwork with therapists, each piece tells its own beautiful story. The room was filled with smiles, color, and quiet moments of awe.
We’re deeply grateful to the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Pulte Foundation for supporting this special event and uplifting our young artists.
A huge thank-you to our incredible Art Therapists and team members who made the day so meaningful.
We had the pleasure of welcoming members from AAA–The Auto Club Group’s Diverse Abilities ERG to LifeLab Kids.
From exploring our therapy spaces to learning more about our mission, the visit was filled with meaningful conversations and shared values. We’re incredibly thankful for their interest in supporting neurodiverse youth and families, and for their openness to building something impactful, together.
Partnerships like this help us grow stronger, together.
We look forward to exploring ways we can collaborate in creating more inclusive, supportive communities.
Behind the Scenes: A Day at LifeLab Kids
The day begins with laughter in the hallways, and a quiet sense of comfort that fills the space. Children are greeted by name, by smile, by presence.
Some head to the sensory gym, others settle into storytime or movement class. And a few make their way into a calm, colorful room, the Art Therapy space.
Each moment is guided by an evolving plan, led by the child’s own rhythm. A crumpled paper might tell a story no words could reach. Every choice is a form of communication, and every stroke is met with understanding, not correction.
In this space, a child who avoids eye contact might suddenly look up, curious about the color a peer is using. Another who rarely speaks might hum a tune as she draws. It’s not just about making art, it’s about making connections, finding safety, and beginning to express things once locked away.
The Art Therapist listens closely not just to what’s said, but to what’s felt. A red scribble might be the start of learning to name anger. A small sculpture might represent a wish, a worry, or a hope. Over time, patterns emerge, trust grows.
Parents’ FAQs Answered
Is art therapy good for autism, and why?
Yes. Art therapy offers autistic children a creative, non-verbal way to express emotions, build confidence, and connect without pressure. It meets children where they are, supporting emotional growth through color, texture, and choice.
How can autism therapy benefit my child?
Autism therapy supports the unique needs of children with autism, helping them build skills for more independent and fulfilling lives. It goes beyond communication, enhancing emotional, social, sensory, and everyday functioning.
- Communication Skills: Speech and occupational therapy support both verbal and non-verbal expression, helping children share their needs and feelings.
- Social Skills: Therapy teaches kids how to interact, take turns, and connect with peers, reducing isolation.
- Emotional Regulation: Children learn to manage feelings like frustration and anxiety, helping reduce meltdowns and challenging behaviors.
- Daily Living Skills: Therapy supports routines like dressing, eating, and hygiene, building independence.
Why is early intervention autism therapy crucial for your child’s development?
Starting therapy early is one of the most impactful ways to support a child with autism. The earlier the support, the greater the growth in communication, connection, and everyday skills.
- Brain Growth Happens Early: The first five years are a key time for building skills like eye contact, speech, and play.
- Boosts Social & Communication Skills: Early support helps kids express themselves and connect with others more easily.
- Supports Parents Too: Therapists guide families in using everyday routines to build skills naturally.
- Better Long-Term Outcomes: Children who start early often build stronger language, relationships, and school readiness.
Why is early intervention autism therapy crucial for your child’s development?
Starting therapy early is one of the most impactful ways to support a child with autism. The earlier the support, the greater the growth in communication, connection, and everyday skills.
- Brain Growth Happens Early: The first five years are a key time for building skills like eye contact, speech, and play.
- Boosts Social & Communication Skills: Early support helps kids express themselves and connect with others more easily.
- Supports Parents Too: Therapists guide families in using everyday routines to build skills naturally.
- Better Long-Term Outcomes: Children who start early often build stronger language, relationships, and school readiness.
A Creative Way to Talk About Emotions
The Emotion Color Jar
- Sit together and ask your child: How do you feel today?
- Invite them to pick 2–3 colors that match those feelings.
- Using crayons, paints, or even cut paper, let them create a page using only those colors.
- There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Let it be quiet, creative, and led by them.
- If they want to talk about it, great. If not, that’s okay too. Sometimes, the colors say more than words ever could.
This exercise isn’t about the result, it’s about offering space to express, reflect, and feel safe doing it.
Calm Corner Collage – A Simple Soothing Activity
- Ask your child: “What makes you feel calm or safe?”
- Gather materials: magazines, photos, fabric scraps, nature items, textured paper, etc.
- Let your child cut, tear, or pick out pictures, words, and textures that reflect those feelings.
- Help them arrange and glue the items on a large sheet or in a journal.
- Place the collage near their quiet corner or use it as a calming flip-through page.
This supports emotional awareness, creativity, and a sense of comfort.
Thank You for Being Here
The LifeLab Kids Journal is just one more way we’re reaching out with transparency, creativity, and love.
We believe in the small wins, the quiet progress, and the big hearts behind every child. Thank you for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to share more with you.
