The Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon, in collaboration with Chiang Mai University and Myanmar Autism Association, jointly organized an “Art Therapy Workshop” during 2-3 December 2014 at Yangon Children's Hospital. Around 40 participants joined the workshop, including teachers, parents, health personnel, and volunteers, who are key players in taking care of and working closely with these children. Mrs. Thipayasuda Suvanajata, Spouse of Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar, presided over the opening ceremony.

This “Art Therapy Workshop", organized for the second time in the series, was conducted by 3 experts, namely, Asst. Prof. Padungsak Kochsomrong from Faculty of Fine Arts, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ratchaneekorn Tongsookdee from Faculty of Education, and Mr. Komsan Pumpanya, artist, all with experiences working with children with autism. They shared different and interesting techniques, such as painting and sculpting, to engage with the children through something everyone can do and enjoy together.  Their experiences proved that spending quality time, expressing their love and care, with children helped improve their EQ and learning and life skills, so that these children can learn and have fun. 

The most important thing that the participants learned was to take it slowly, focusing on each moment, and be able to adapt to each child’s different emotions, as well as to use various activities to engage children to help them strengthen interpersonal ties with people around them.  Through these artistic exercises, children can learn to slow down as well as improve their mindfulness and how they react to the others.

Thanks to the generous support of Thai Air Asia, Muang Thai Life Assurance, KPMG, Nacha Thai Restaurant and Yangon Children’s Hospital, this Art Therapy Workshop was made possible and achieved the noble mission to support children with autism to grow up with their full potentials and realize their dreams.