May is Mental Health Awareness Month By Margaux WoskIt’s no secret: mental illness is still stigmatized. The discrimination is emotionally overwhelming. In my case, it piles on top of me like a ton of bricks I can’t carry. Being an Autistic person, I already struggle with understanding social …

“Shine’s” depiction of David Helfgott’s passionate pursuit and achievement of success as a pianist in spite of his severe mental challenges sends an uplifting message that continues to resonate among people on the autism spectrum in today’s environment where employers are increasin…

Practicing art helps me to come out of emotional pain of my past and reduces everyday stress. By Linish Balan Until the age of 28 I didn’t even draw a single flower properly. In childhood I never tried to draw anything by myself though I had a great fascination for visuals. In school days drawing c…

by W.E.Powers What is it? I see it in the eyes of those battling mental health issues. I see it as a wet, dim band of light cutting through the blues, browns, and greens of those impacted by autism. Sometimes it reflects a struggle against depression or PTSD. It is often a scoreboard worn on the fac…

Joshua Perry has been inspired by his brother Jahred who is on the autism spectrum. After six concussions Joshua Perry, the Seahawks linebacker, at age 24 has decided to leave football. On the Today show this morning he talked about his career in football and his brother with Aspergers. Jahred Perr…

Cash prizes are provided by the Joe Mantegna Family The Art of Autism is seeking art with the themes of Inclusion, Disability, Education, and Acceptance for display at the 43rd Annual Disability Rights Legal Center FDR Dinner September 15, 2018. Submissions are to be sent to info@artautism.com by Au…

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The Art of Autism is focusing on blogs of those who have a dual-diagnosis. By Jacqueline Lee At the beginning of January, I started two government internships concurrently. The first internship was a paid one which essentially laid me off once they were done – w…

Those interested should reach out as soon as possible. Optomen USA is their final stages of casting applicants. Documentary producers at Optomen USA are looking for people with neuro-divergent conditions such as Aspergers, autism, or Tourette Syndrome who would like their assistance finding employme…

“Mental illness is the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about, until they absolutely have to.” By Ryan Smoluk It’s a cold winter day in Manitoba, Canada. My art show “WAKE UP CALL” at the ArtBeat Studio has just come to an end. My mom and I have been busy packin…

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…

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…

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…

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…

“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…