In the realm of therapy, there exists a powerful approach called Mneme Therapy that has shown tremendous promise in working with individuals on the autism spectrum. As an art therapist who has witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of this modality, I am excited to explore and shed light on the unique benefits it offers. In this blog post, we will delve into the essence of Mneme Therapy and its profound impact on individuals with autism, unlocking their creative potential and fostering personal growth.
Understanding Mneme Therapy:
Mneme Therapy is an innovative therapeutic approach that utilizes art, music, and movement to engage individuals with autism. The term "Mneme" comes from the Greek word meaning memory, reflecting the therapy's emphasis on the power of visual memory and its impact on cognition, communication, and emotional well-being.
At its core, Mneme Therapy recognizes that individuals on the autism spectrum often possess exceptional visual thinking and processing skills. Through carefully crafted interventions and activities, Mneme Therapy taps into these strengths, providing a supportive environment for self-expression and promoting social interaction, emotional regulation, and cognitive development.
The Power of Art in Mneme Therapy:
Art serves as a cornerstone of Mneme Therapy, offering individuals with autism a nonverbal channel of communication, self-expression, and connection. Through engaging in art-making activities, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or collage, individuals on the autism spectrum can express their thoughts, feelings, and unique perspectives in a safe and non-threatening way.
The sensory experience of working with different art materials, exploring textures, and experiencing the visual appeal of colors can also play a vital role in Mneme Therapy. Art activities offer opportunities for sensory integration, allowing individuals with autism to engage their senses and develop a greater understanding of their own sensory preferences and sensitivities.
Promoting Social Interaction and Communication:
One of the significant challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum is social interaction and communication. Mneme Therapy provides a platform for cultivating these skills in a supportive and creative environment. Through group art activities or collaborative projects, individuals with autism can develop their abilities to share space, take turns, and engage in cooperative efforts.
Art also acts as a bridge for communication, enabling individuals to express themselves visually and initiate interactions with others. This can lead to increased self-confidence and improved social skills, as individuals find a common ground for connection and understanding.
Cognitive Development and Emotional Well-being:
Mneme Therapy has demonstrated positive impacts on cognitive development among individuals on the autism spectrum. Engaging in art activities can enhance cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, attention to detail, and visual memory. By stimulating and challenging these cognitive functions, Mneme Therapy supports the holistic development of individuals with autism.
Additionally, the creative process involved in art-making can foster emotional well-being and self-regulation. Art offers a means for individuals to explore and express their emotions, providing a valuable outlet for self-discovery, emotional release, and stress reduction. Mneme Therapy recognizes the therapeutic potential of art in promoting emotional resilience and self-awareness.
Closing Thoughts:
Mneme Therapy stands as a powerful and effective approach in working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Through the medium of art, this therapy unlocks the potential for self-expression, social interaction, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. As an art therapist passionate about serving individuals with autism, I am honored to witness the transformative impact of Mneme Therapy and its ability to empower individuals, nurturing their creativity and supporting their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment.
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Today I have posted a documentary about Mneme Therapy and Noell Hammer,  who started Art Without Boundaries and  the process of Mneme Therapy

This is an interview with David Smith about the work I do partnering with Nueva Care. 

MNEMETHERAPY IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Evelyn, an 89-year-old Palo Alto woman with Alzheimer’s disease, eagerly looks forward to the weekly visit from her MnemeTherapy instructor.  Not only does Evelyn show great enthusiasm during the session, according to her home care aide, but afterward she’s less agitated and in a much better mood.  The visit has even been found to lower her blood pressure.
Paulette Gill, a certified MnemeTherapy instructor (pronounced “nemma”) for the last 2 ½ years, follows a little known therapy that works to simulate changes in the brains of patients suffering from dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and autism, with the intent of improving their verbal skills, memory, spatial acuity and ability to understand instructions.  She accomplishes this through a range of activities, including painting, singing, telling stories, and engaging her patients in various body movements.
“This is not intended as a cure for Alzheimer’s, but rather as a way of improving her quality of life,” said Gill, who works with NuevaCare, a San Mateo-based home care agency specializing in innovative approaches to home care.  “MnemeTherapy works by tapping into the patient’s memory.  The physical contact is just as important in creating a personal connection.”
While Evelyn has had several health setbacks since Gill started working with her in March, disrupting her mental and emotional stamina, she has seen a definite improvement in her over this time. She’s always happy to see her and generally remains focused during the lengthy session. Ups and downs, said Gill, are common among the population she treats.
MnemeTherapy, named for Mnemosyne, the mythological Greek goddess of memory and mother of the nine Muses known for the music of their song, stimulates the brain through a natural process called neuroplasticity (or brain plasticity).   Unlike art therapy, which deals with the psychology of the individual, helping patients express feelings and heal emotionally, MnemeTherapy uses art (and the other disciplines) to stimulate the brain to adapt and rebuild lost function by reorienting and remapping it.
“We’ve been offering MnemeTherapy for the last nine months to our patients and the results, according to family members, have been very gratifying,” said Kamran Nasser, managing director of NuevaCare, which serves the San Francisco Peninsula.  “It’s a program that is fun for patients and has been shown to improve cognition and self-esteem, and provide them with a sense of accomplishment.”
Gill, who visits Evelyn weekly for an hour in her home, begins the session sitting face-to-face with her patient.  “Warm up” exercises begin with Gill taking Evelyn’s hand and swinging it left to right, past her midsection, as she leads her in the song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”  This is intended to stimulate word memory, said Gill, a one-time art teacher and home care provider for Alzheimer’s patients.  She then asks Evelyn to “high five” her with one hand and then the other, and engages her in a game of “patty cake.” She holds up two fingers and moves them from left to right asking her how many fingers she’s holding.  She then flutters her fingers like a butterfly and asks Evelyn to capture it.  The therapy seems haphazard but, according to Gill, is tightly scripted with each patient.
Gill brings out a binder with different abstract images, both photographs and paintings, and asks Evelyn to describe them.  Looking at a picture of the ocean and swaying palm trees, she asks Evelyn if the photo evokes any memories. Evelyn says it’s where she used to vacation with her family when her children were young.
Next, Evelyn is encouraged to paint her own picture, with Gill lightly guiding Evelyn’s hand.  The results are impressive, particularly for an elderly woman who has a difficult time remembering the faces of even long-time friends and family members. Paintings of her work are displayed throughout the house. 
A long-time collector of art, Evelyn shows considerable pride in her work. 
“Anytime she has guests, she pulls out the scrapbook with her paintings,” said Gill.  “It gives her something to talk about and share with family, and her daughters (one of whom is an artist) have been very pleased.   She’s proud of her work and she’s having fun.” 

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below is one of Evelyn's paintings




note; her name is changed to preserve confidentiality.