March is Women’s History Month, March 8 is International Women’s Day, and the week of March 6 is Women’s Week. Yesterday we featured six women on the spectrum . This is part 2 of a 3 part series. The Art of Autism is grateful for the many autistic women who contribute to a better …

Only eighty people in the world have been diagnosed with HSAM (Highly Superior Autographical Memory) and Becky Sharrock was the first from Australia. By Ron Sandison As a toddler Becky Sharrock screamed when cuddled. “I can remember every detail from my infant years. It felt unnatural to me to be h…

The Art of Autism congratulates Temple Grandin for her achievements. Temple Grandin, Colorado State University professor of animal sciences and world-renowned autism spokesperson, has been named to the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Grandin is one of only 10 women to receive the prestigious honor th…

“Hiring autistic people solves many problems. It allows their skills to be utilized and takes a burden off the system,” Steve Andrews By Debra Muzikar Last month, I had the pleasure to interview Steve Andrews, founder of Platinum Bay Technologies. Over a cup of coffee he shared his story and laid ou…

Due to autism with its speech delays, sensory processing issues, and deficit in ability to decode social norms—life was not always easy—especially with regards to gainful employment. By Ron Sandison As I reflect upon this past year and all the blessings in my life; March 20, having my first child,…

Part of loving yourself is letting go of those grudges you hold that ultimately hurt you more than the person you hate.  Forgiving others as well as yourself will begin the healing process and allow you to move forward with your life.  The Art of Becoming A Man By Tom Iland Current statistics tell u…

“I was existing, floating, drifting in my own bubble and couldn’t get out. Sometimes it felt like everybody else was in a bubble and I couldn’t get in. Those moments I ‘knew’ everybody knew what was going on . . . and I didn’t.”  By Eva Angvert Harren Throughout my life I have not been a…

This next art challenge needs no introduction – artist+ mentor Joel Anderson shows kids everything they need to know in his AWESOME stop animation video. Love his work and the way he communicates. If you haven’t yet signed your kids up for the Mentorship Project, not worry! You can still sign…

New Jersey program serves autistic teens and adults by Colleen Hordichuk, Art Therapist Nine years ago, I joined the staff of my local high school as a paraprofessional in a brand new Autism program. I was chosen to be part of this new team because of my background in art therapy. It didn’t ta…

During my years, I had been stuck in a cycle of isolation and of desire. I’d wanted things I couldn’t have. I was invariably failing to search for things I couldn’t attain. But now, I had a means to break free from this habit. The key to liberation was within me and the first step was to accept who …

By Henny Kupferstein, M.A. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for autistics is based on Pavlov’s operant conditioning for dogs. In this video, you can see the lone dog waiting for permission to have fun. Watching this clip, I can almost hear the ABA kid saying, “Miss Ashley–what am I working for? Aft…

This week’s art challenge is brought to you by Keri Bowers (learn more about Keri in her bio below!) Puppet Art Suggested materials: Glue, scissors, yarn, beads, paint – anything goes! 1. Gather recycled items from around your home 2. Create a puppet(s) using an old sock(s) 3. Take a picture or vi…

Autism comic strip by autistic artist Carissa P. depicts “Baby Talk” by Debra Muzikar A couple weeks ago my Facebook friend Stefanie shared with me this audio clip she recorded on her I-phone. Stefanie just turned 49. In the audio clip you can hear her neighbor (who has known her since …

All kids should have a safe place to express themselves through art. SO many parents we know are always looking for new ways to nurture their kids’ interests, talents and skills. We are very excited to announce The Art Of Autism Mentorship Project. An opportunity for kids on the autism spectrum to e…