The Companion Guide for Smile & Succeed for Teens By Debra Muzikar I reviewed Smile & Succeed for Teens about 18 months ago. Last month I received another copy in the mail along with a new companion Parent’s Guide for the original book. I highly recommend these books for not only tee…

“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…

By Mari-Anne Kehler What do you get when you fall in love? As Dionne Warwick sang: “You only get lies and pain and sorrow. So far at least, until tomorrow, I’ll never fall in love again.”* Another school year ends, and I’m reminded of the endless cycle of heartbreak. “Why is mom wiping her eyes?! Wh…

“The best way to have a career you love is if YOU are dedicated to the hard work it will take,” Angela Felice Mahoney, designer of I Can Work curriculum By Ron Sandison As a young adult with autism my greatest struggle was gainful employment. After I graduated with my Master of Divinity,…

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…

“We meet children where they are in order to get them where they need to be, ” Kristine Barnett By Ron Sandison On June 26, Kristen Barnett came to my parent’s house in Rochester Hills, Michigan, for the filming of  the new Laurence Becker documentary Fierce Love and Art. I was …

“You can conquer anything with Asperger’s and be your own boss to a healthy well balanced life,” Jeremy Samson, creator of Time to Train By Ron Sandison Research studies indicates that involvement in athletics and social activities can help children with behavioral issues decrease by 20-25% an…

Update 05/17/2017 I’m collecting favorite quotes about autism from some of my favorite people. Please share your own in the comments and if I like it, I may add it to the list. 1. “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism,” Dr. Stephen Sho…

In October returning from a suspension from kicking a teacher, John Benjamin told his mom, “I don’t want to go back to school—I don’t like working with my paraprofessional. He pinches me hard, driving his nails into me and treats me like I am a little kid.” A few weeks ago a news story about a 10-y…

May is Mental Health Month. The Art of Autism throughout May would like to focus on stories about those with dual diagnoses. By Jeanette Purkis I have a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Condition and atypical schizophrenia. In my 42 years I have accessed a large number of publicly and privately funde…

The Art of Autism ends Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month with a message from Samantha Craft. By Samantha Craft If you are a voice for a marginalized minority of autistic people, who has faced continual discrimination, bullying, and isolation, spread kindness, acceptance, and tolerance. Be patient. …

Update 04/30/2017 – R.I.P. Donna Williams I’m collecting favorite quotes about autism from some of my favorite people. Please share your own in the comments and if I like it, I may add it to the list. 1. “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with …

The Va-J-J House, a Tapestry of Life Written from the Heart of Aunt Lea Lance As a friend of The Art of Autism, Aunt Lea has shared in blogs and discussions on this forum. This time, to protect the privacy of fictionalized characters in her novel, she is using her pseudonym: Aunt Lea Lance –…