My son has sensory processing disorder, being a preemie I was told the day after he was born he'd likely have it. So I knew early on I'd have to really work hard on his senses. I exposed him to all sorts of 'sticky-icky' as soon as he was home from the NICU. Finger paint when he was 2 months old, Play-Doh LONG before the recommended age, 'Pudding-Painting' of which he was not amused. He still has SPD of course but maybe not as severe has he would otherwise. So he and I did LOTS of finger painting together.
Sometime around the age of 2 he decided he just wouldn't use finger paints anymore. Thankfully at age 3 he did start attending art class at Gymboree. At first he refused to paint, the mere thought of getting paint on his skin or clothing offended him greatly. After maybe three or four classes he warmed to the idea.
Despite the obvious messes, I continued to try my best to keep the art work up at the house for him, & not just with paint, but with glue, tape, gems, beads, gels...all forms of sensory art-related activities. But he still did not like the sensation of paint ON him. The longer the paintbrush, the happier he was :-)
Over time though he really began to overcome the feeling of discomfort he associated with painting and would allow me, begrudgingly, to use finger paints with him again.
At one point in early 2015 I was able to have him sit and paint this awesome painting for me. Little pansies, all of them painted by his finger tips, doused in finger paint & carefully placed onto the canvas. Okay yes he did make a bit of a face when the cool, slimy paint was applied to his fingers, however he followed my direction very well and placed the 'flowers' onto the canvas with great care. I quickly dried the paint off with a paper towel & changed color for different flowers. When he was done, he was done!
I painted in the leaves & pot, clearly. It was the 1st time I'd painted...really ever. At least since I took art as an elective in 10th grade, Since this he's painted quite a few more things with & without a brush, & each time he gets better & enjoys it more. Each time he's more at ease. He no longer panics when a drop of paint gets on his skin. In fact just the other day a glob got on his arm & he did't even notice! ;-) Art is good therapy.
