Can the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen and the art of Nikifor Krynicki help us better understand autism? Our association, „Families and Friends of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 'AUtopozytywni,’” proves that they can! Drawing inspiration from the works of these two extraordinary artists, we raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and build bridges of understanding between different worlds of sensitivity.
Hans Christian Andersen, the creator of unforgettable fairy tales, was renowned for his extraordinary sensitivity. His life was marked by difficulties in forming relationships and feelings of isolation. These struggles are reflected in his stories, where characters like The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, and The Little Mermaid mirror his personal experiences. Andersen’s protagonists often embody loneliness and the search for acceptance and belonging—qualities that resonate deeply with many individuals on the autism spectrum.
Nikifor Krynicki, a well-known primitivist painter, created highly detailed and repetitive works of art. His primary medium of expression was painting, which can be seen as characteristic of individuals with autism who often communicate their thoughts and needs through alternative forms of expression.
Experts suggest that both Andersen and Nikifor displayed traits associated with autism. Researchers like Rev. Prof. Michał Janocha argue that Nikifor was likely on the spectrum, while literary scholar Prof. Ewa Ogłoza views Andersen’s fairy tales as a literary representation of the experiences of individuals with ASD.

Integration Workshops: A Meeting of Sensitivities

As part of its educational initiatives, our association organized Integration Workshops under the theme: „The Enchanting World of Sensitivity: Andersen and Nikifor—Different Faces of Autism”. The event, held under the honorary patronage of Tadeusz Zaremba, head of the Nowy Sącz County, brought together 30 children and their families: 15 children on the autism spectrum and 15 neurotypical children.
The workshop program blended literature, art, and education. Excerpts from Andersen’s fairy tales and a story about Nikifor’s life were read during the event. Specialists used games and activities to highlight aspects of the artists’ works that reflect traits of autism. Neurotypical children and their parents were introduced to various AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) methods and behaviors of individuals on the spectrum, fostering understanding and empathy.

Art as Therapy

In the artistic segment of the workshops, children created their own t-shirt designs inspired by fairy tale characters or Nikifor’s art. These small masterpieces not only nurtured creativity but also served as a form of self-therapy. Each t-shirt was adorned with the logo of the Nowy Sącz County, the inscription „Healthy Sądeckie – Edition 2024” (Zdrowe Sądeckie – Edition 2024), and the logo of the AUtopozytywni Association, symbolizing the project’s goal of promoting health awareness and acceptance.

A Step Toward Understanding

The workshops were more than just an opportunity for fun—they represented a significant step toward building social awareness. Neurotypical children gained valuable insights into diversity, while children on the spectrum felt accepted and understood. This combination of fairy tale magic and artistic expression demonstrated how different dimensions of sensitivity can enrich one another, creating a space for empathy and understanding.

The initiative was carried out as part of the „Healthy Sądeckie – Edition 2024” competition with financial support from the Nowy Sącz County.