Autistic children are very often uniquely creative when they draw or create other kinds of art. But cooperating with others in creative endeavors can make them confused and unless they have adequate adult guidance and clear cooperation rules to follow.

This printable activity sets up a one-page drawing and writing activity that two children are assigned to complete jointly. The objective is to help children with ASD to practice elements of cooperation and flexibility in a joint drawing project. Each pair of children, in either a social skills group or a classroom setting, is instructed to invent, name, describe and jointly draw a cookie together. It’s not easy, but it can be very fun. On the many occasions I have used it, it usually works out well.

Here below is an example of how the Cookie with a Partner drawing sheet might look when completed.

It’s essential to go over the cooperation rules (shown below) carefully ahead of time. Practice aloud the specific phrases of “cooperation language.”

I have found I need to be vigilant to help mediate disagreements, and to help the participants to actually work together instead of each one just drawing “my half of the cookie.”

To find a similar worksheet on jointly drawing a pizza (see picture below) instead of a cookie, click here.

More collaborative drawing projects for children on the spectrum –

There are lots more great ways to help pairs and groups of kids with ASD to practice cooperation and creating things together. I have a whole section on this for you to explore: See “Collaborative drawing tasks for social learning” for information and ideas, like the one shown above.

Your comments on these resources are most welcome, and often helpful. Click HERE to send an email.