Ryan Smoluk talks about the importance of not listening to other’s negative projections for the future. By Ryan Smoluk “Oh no, no Ryan don’t think about going to university! You will never be able to do that!” a teacher in elementary told me. I was crushed. Was that true? I only ever tho…

As an autistic person myself, I do not take being verbal for granted and I understand how powerful writing can be to express oneself. I understand Pam’s saturation in books, her safe places to escape to and think, because I had mine too and still do. I identify with the types of “beyond the norm” gi…

Ron Sandison interviews Dr. Paula Kluth, consultant, author, advocate and independent consultant What inspired you to study special education in college? My high school started welcoming students with more complex needs when I was a senior. I approached the teacher to volunteer and work in her c…

In honor of #TakeTheMaskOff week The Art of Autism is posting this incredible essay from a 10th grade student recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder about passing as a neurotypical By Maya Radhakrishnan In 2000 the rate of autism diagnoses was about 1 in 150 people. By 2017 this rate was 1…

This is National Disability Voter Registration Week Updated 07/15/2018 with current Voting Guide The Art of Autism encourages those on the autism spectrum to vote. Many candidates have disability platforms. For many on the autism spectrum, disability funding is decided through the voting process. …

Robbie shares his passion for My Little Pony By Robbie Ierubino My name is Robbie Ierubino, and I am a 20-year-old artist with autism, who is studying Graphic Design at Staffordshire University in England. Earlier this year, the Art of Autism interviewed me about my art of “Shapism” . I have another…

An interview with Karla Akins, Author of A Pair of Miracles: A Story of Autism, Faith, and Determined Parenting By Ron Sandison 1. What were the first signs your twin boys had autism? The twins cried and screamed constantly. They bit one another mercilessly from the time they could crawl. They were…

By Ryan Smoluk My art exhibit (Reflections at Great West Life) came to an end June 6th. It was well received and I met some nice people. Thank God for the 2 strong women in my life, my Mom and my sister Lisa. They helped dismantle all my art, pack it up and lug it over to my studio. I love them dea…

By Amy Highland Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often well acquainted with sleep problems. Though statistics vary, it’s estimated that anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of people with ASD struggle to get a full night’s sleep. The problems include difficulty falling asleep, frequent night …

Update 6/27/2018 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 Shor…

“Autistic Pride Day is every day,” Kimberly Gerry-Tucker Started in 2005 in an online forum for autistic people, Autistic Pride Day is a day to celebrate neurodiversity. It is also about shifting views from the paradigm of “disease” to “difference.” The Art of Aut…

Summer is here! Before I tell you about the great summer program at Autistry I want to celebrate and congratulate our students who have successfully found employment. This is a tough job market where even entry level positions often require college degrees. Though Autistry does not formally provide …

Started in 2005 in an online forum for autistic people, Autistic Pride Day is a day to celebrate neurodiversity. It is also about shifting views from the paradigm of “disease” to “difference.” The Art of Autism would love if you would share  what you are proud of? Please…

Into Your (Joe’s) World by Michael C. Kregler As a composer, I’ve always tried to follow this self-imposed advice: in order to create authentic and convincing music, be sure to a) study great composers, and b) write within your own experience. The latter would become especially significant when, in …