The sibling relationship is often the most long lasting relationship a person has in their lifetimes. It is often life-changing for the sibling who is not disabled. Siblings tend to be more sensitive to others being bullied, more empathetic to people with differences, and often times go into careers…

Over 8,000 works of passenger art have been created on Delta flight attendant Jewely Van Valin’s flights By Debra Muzikar After 9/11 airline passengers were more irritable because of heightened security and a reduction in amenities. Delta Air Lines’ flight attendant Jewely Van Valin wanted to …

As 2017 comes to a close, The Art of Autism looks back at memorable events of the year. We’ve compiled some highlights of happenings in the autism community and from our year at The Art of Autism. Notable Deaths 2017 was a year that saw the passing of three lights who embodied inclusion, love,…

2nd in the new monthly series of ‘Happy Sawyer’ By Nikki Mann I don’t think I’d realised how much Sawyer’s first 2 or 3 years had affected me emotionally until I started writing it all down, and I don’t think I’d realised until now how much my life has been changed by them. I have so many stories to…

2017 – what a fabulous year! Last December I wrote that we were “ready to roll up our sleeves and take Autistry to the next level”. I am happy to report that we did just that. We received our Community Care License, became vendorized by the Golden Gate Regional Center, launched the…

Update 12/24/2017 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…

By Linish Balan When my father died, I was so sad … no different than any other son in the world. Yet while taking the traditional bath after the funeral (in India people bathe after funerals), I started to laugh out loud very loudly. Fortunately, only one of my cousins was there with me at that ti…

Nine-year-old Thomais wrote and illustrated her own book, “The Story Of Thomias” (www.autismhappykingdom.com), proving that a little girl on the autism spectrum can express deep emotions. Yadira, Thomais’ mom and Thomais want to show other children with autism that they are not alone and can e…

Early last week, when I was unable to reach my son, but was aware his home was mere blocks from a hot-spot of the fire and evacuation zone, I took the only action I could. I called his support staff, a manager, and the Regional Center. By Keri Bowers Last Monday, the Thomas fires erupted in Ventura …

By Ron Sandison Many of my greatest memories are holiday related – the Christmas of 1982 when Santa placed under our tree a stuffed prairie dog — Prairie Pup. My new special interest quickly became prairie dogs for the next eight years. Prairie Pup and I were inseparable until I began middle s…

By Anjanee While the holiday period can be an exciting and exhilarating time for many, for those with autism it can be a slightly more tricky terrain to navigate. The festive season brings additional expectations for those who have, or who care for someone who is on the Autism Spectrum, from Christm…

The Art of Autism had over 230 entries forthe Art AUCross America initiative! We decided to give four art sets away instead of one. Toys AUCross America is giving away 2 of the art sets and our board member Carly Fulgham has donated 2 art sets. It was a very difficult choice but here are the winners…

Disability Rights are Human Rights The United Nations has proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today there are over 7 billion people on the planet. 15 percent of those people have a disability which makes over 1 billion people with disabilities. According to t…

In the last five years, 8-year old Sofia has spent over 10,000 hours drawing. Sofia Drawing By Debra Muzikar A portrait submission was made to the Art of Autism this week which I found quite compelling. The portraits had animated expressions and jumped off the screen. Imagine my surprise when I disc…