By Katherine Valdoria I have always had a hard time “owning” labels. You know when you’re taking a class or participating in a workshop and they sit you in a circle and ask you to say your name and “something interesting” about yourself, to break the ice? I hate that. I get overwhelmed with…

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 …

Music has been a bridge for me to show who I really am to others. You can’t hear autism in music. Sound, melody, and rhythm are immune to disabilities. My name is Breyton Croom. I am 24 years old from Morristown, New Jersey, and I am autistic with a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorde…

By Jacquelyn Marquette, Ph.D.For World Autism Month 2019, I want to shine a light on persons on the Autism Spectrum (AS) who rely upon a greater need for supports. Many of these individuals have strengths and talents, yet they are often ignored and turned away from resources such as supported empl…

“The repetitiveness of baseball and the repetitiveness of autism go hand in hand.” Reggie Sanders, Kansas City Royals By Ron Sandison Nadia Khalil who was the parent of a two-year-old daughter, Sarene, knew her younger child Tarik’s milestones were delayed. Tarik unlike his sister…

The Art of Autism prefers Autism Acceptance Month The month of April is Autism Awareness Month. April 2 has been designated by the United Nations as World Autism Awareness Day. This year their focus is on “assistive technologies, active participation.” Here are some suggestions for incre…

Dr. Grandin taught me that I did not need to blame, shame, or hate myself just because I was different. By Wendi E. Powers As an over-forty college graduate, I attributed my difficulties to complex childhood trauma. Although I was in therapy for PTSD and Dissociative Identity Disorder, I become dis…

Art of Autism Board member Kimberly Gerry-Tucker shares poetry and art honoring women. March is Women’s History Month. By Kimberly Gerry-Tucker (Artwork: Kimberly Gerry-Tucker) What is Dorothy Catherine Draper thinking in this 1840 Daguerreotype photo; taken by her brother? So many images o…

By Travis Breeding What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time I was beginning a journey of transformation. Part of having autism meant that I had this intense fixation and obsession of a getting a girlfriend. This could have been considered a special interest. My special interest fixatio…

New show for the ABC Network Casting Call Laura Rosenthal Casting is seeking talent to portray a neurodiverse character or character on the autism spectrum for a TV show Men and Women, 18 – 25, any ethnicity. Time Commitment 3/11 – 4/1 and may be needed for a longer time period. Will nee…

Do art for yourself not for other people. An interview with artist Joseph Green How old are you? 25 How long have you been painting? Since I was little. I joined the Creativity Explored studio in 2012. How do you come up with your ideas for painting? Sometimes I use something in my head or sometime…

“When I step on the ice, I feel clarity and my worries disappear,” Walker Aurand By Ron Sandison Walker Aurand, a natural on ice, began skating at the age of two. When his dad took him to the rink for open skate, he was astonished to see his two year old son skating without any training…

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…

“To be successful in the workplace individuals with autism need to find ways to create a demand for their skills and develop a portfolio that shows their talents.” Ron Sandison interviews Nathaniel Reed Geyer, Phd       1.  At what age were you diagnosed with autism? &…