Dually diagnosed with autism and Down syndrome, Dana Anderson has found her voice through art. Dana Anderson is a 25-year-old emerging artist who paints with acrylics on canvas and boards. Instead of conspicuously or deliberately altering or representing a subject, Dana’s color, texture, line, and f…

By Leigh Marcos Today, more than 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies reveal that nearly 1 in 6 children have a developmental disability that ranges from speech and language impairments to serious developmental disabilities. Over the past decade, more investmen…

With an estimate of 90 percent of autistic people who are either unemployed or under employed the Art of Autism realizes that raising awareness about Disability and Employment is critical.  Each October for more than 70 years, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Polic…

“When people read my book, will they become more understanding of those who are nonverbal? I hope so,” Kimberly Dixon, author of Under the Silence is Me, How it Feels to be Nonverbal By Ron Sandison On April 29, 1985, Jim and Marilyn Dixon were filled with joy as God blessed their family…

“Sibtain taught me to love my life. He has taught me to be thankful and to stop complaining because darkness leads to light… always!” By Bushra Junejo Sibtain is my little brother diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. That’s his basic description. The answer to the question ‘who is Sibta…

“We have spent so much time arguing about this and that that we can’t agree on anything. And agreement is the only way to make change.” By Carly Fulgham In February I wrote a blog about the words that matter. Frustrated at all the time I saw being spent around words that don’…

Inspired by an autistic sister Sasha Brathwaite has created a unique program using drumming and movement. By Ron Sandison Sasha Brathwaite, founder of Let’s Jam Percussive & Creative Movement Program has contributed to her community for years through her therapeutic, music-based program for ind…

Many a passer-by has sneered, “Hey, buddy, that dog’s walking you! You’re the boss! Take control!” By Nils Skudra Years ago my beloved service animal, a bichon frise named Beauregard (after the same guy who ordered the firing of the first shots on Fort Sumter) succumbed to renal failure. When I grad…

I am Syance and I would like to say that my experience at the California State Museum in Sacramento was a blessing and a miracle because I almost did not get to go.  When I received the email, which confirmed that the people in charge of the museum chose my artwork to be a part of this installa…

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…

During their eight road trips Tyler discovered his father’s unconditional love. Ron learned that Tyler was wired neurologically different—he would have to rewire himself to fit Tyler’s unique mind and interests. By Ron Sandison Ron and his wife Lori noticed during elementary school their son Tyler’s…