By Ron Sandison Last week at the Milestones 15th Annual Autism Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, my wife Kristen and I were on a panel with three other couples, discussing, “Love and Marriage on the Spectrum.” During this event, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Fred Volkmar, Professor of Child Psychi…

Today I watched the video below of a Dad from Malaysia and his son Luqman. The video is their story and brought tears to my eyes (or as my son Kevin would say – “your eyes are getting juicy mom“). The Art of Autism wishes a Happy Father’s Day to all the great dad’s out…

Autistic Pride Day is June 18, 2017 Autistic Pride Day, an Aspies for Freedom initiative, is a celebration of the neurodiversity of people on the autism spectrum on June 18 each year.  Autistic pride recognizes the innate potential in all people, including those on the autism spectrum.&nbs…

Serving others produce a chemical reaction in your body that makes you feel a natural high and better about yourself. By Ron Sandison Recent research studies have shown that people with autism who drink or use legal drugs are more likely to become addicted to or otherwise abuse these substances then…

 “I would advise teachers to treat their students humanely regardless of their beliefs about disabilities,” Diego Pena, Age 9 By Debra Muzikar A couple months ago I became aware a Ventura County third grader who was non-speaking and had an autism diagnosis had written book Anat…

The Art of Autism is saddened to hear of Jackson Wheeler’s passing. The Art of Autism honored Jackson Wheeler last year with a Hearts and Arts Award. Jackson Wheeler was a great friend of people with disabilities. He was a social worker for thirty years for Tri-Counties Regional Center and d…

  “Faith is believing for kites to fly when there’s no wind in sight,” Josiah Cullen By Ron Sandison  Tahni Cullen, a minister and bestselling author of Josiah’s Fire, declares, “God is a good gift giver.” During the darkest days of autism her family’s faith was shaken. Tahni refused…

“Often a person with a disability is not even seen as a person except as a recipient, a beneficiary, a consumer, a client, a caseload number, or someone who simply and constantly needs help … not a person who needs and wants a life like anyone else – love, happiness, and joy…” Marty Omoto By D…

“Food and art brings us together,” Covina Mayor Jorge Marquez By Debra Muzikar Covina Councilman John King and Mayor Marquez The Art of Autism is honored to be a participating group in an exhibit titled Essence: An Exhibit by Exceptional Artists held at the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cu…

“Boundaries with love and relationship are key for teachers working with autistic and special needs children.” By Ron Sandison My sister-in-law, a two-time teacher of the year winner for her county, has sixteen years of experience. Her first teaching assignment lasted only two weeks. She was hired a…

When we engage in the creation of our own art forms, we receive big benefits to our minds, both physically and mentally. When we produce art with our own hands, there is increased neural connectivity in the area of the brain that deals with introspection, memory, and self-monitoring. by Caileigh Fl…

May is Mental Health Month. The three largest mental health facilities in the United States are jails. By Debra Muzikar Last night Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes profiled Tom Dart, The Sheriff of Cook County and the person who oversees the largest mental health facility in the United States – Cook…

I was not part of her inner circle but she was in my heart and I got to thank her a month ago and tell her I loved her. —she was genuine, a true teacher to so many. And giving. By Kimberly Gerry-Tucker The following is an excerpt from my book, with some changes. *** I was taming a steaming pot of w…

I want to wear a Niqab or Burqa to my son’s wedding…the wedding notices specify no dress code. Editor’s Note: This is a true story. It is humor and not meant to offend those of the Muslim faith or their attire. By Claudia Casser Why do I want to? I’m vain, I’m fairly frugal, and I …