Abstract. This text is an attempt to systematize and classify the drawings of children diagnosed with autism using the method of free drawing. The problem of absence vs. presence of individual creative elements is discussed. 50 children aged 6 to 9 years (M = 7.67, SD = 4.07) diagnosed with autistic disorder were examined. The method of clinical observation and the projective method of free drawing were used. The results show that the drawings of children from the autism spectrum can be systematized into several categories: geometric figures in front of people, many small details (detail in detail), drawing what is seen, not what is experienced, difficulties with imagination, numbers, letters, logos, drawings consisting only of text or characters, etc. In five categories (including 94% of all images) creative elements are practically absent. Against their background, three drawings-exceptions, stand out and are described separately. These exceptions raise questions for future studies on creativity and inventiveness, especially in high-functioning individuals on the autism spectrum. In sum, it could be noted we that the method of free drawing is an important differentiating criterion, as the drawings are clearly different from the drawings of children without autistic symptoms that we know from practice. In addition to its differential diagnostic potential, free drawing also facilitates the bonding process between the specialist and the child, which makes it a valuable method in pediatric clinical diagnostics.

Key words: autism, drawing, diagnosis

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