“Food and art brings us together,” Covina Mayor Jorge Marquez By Debra Muzikar Covina Councilman John King and Mayor Marquez The Art of Autism is honored to be a participating group in an exhibit titled Essence: An Exhibit by Exceptional Artists held at the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cu…

“Boundaries with love and relationship are key for teachers working with autistic and special needs children.” By Ron Sandison My sister-in-law, a two-time teacher of the year winner for her county, has sixteen years of experience. Her first teaching assignment lasted only two weeks. She was hired a…

When we engage in the creation of our own art forms, we receive big benefits to our minds, both physically and mentally. When we produce art with our own hands, there is increased neural connectivity in the area of the brain that deals with introspection, memory, and self-monitoring. by Caileigh Fl…

May is Mental Health Month. The three largest mental health facilities in the United States are jails. By Debra Muzikar Last night Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes profiled Tom Dart, The Sheriff of Cook County and the person who oversees the largest mental health facility in the United States – Cook…

I was not part of her inner circle but she was in my heart and I got to thank her a month ago and tell her I loved her. —she was genuine, a true teacher to so many. And giving. By Kimberly Gerry-Tucker The following is an excerpt from my book, with some changes. *** I was taming a steaming pot of w…

I want to wear a Niqab or Burqa to my son’s wedding…the wedding notices specify no dress code. Editor’s Note: This is a true story. It is humor and not meant to offend those of the Muslim faith or their attire. By Claudia Casser Why do I want to? I’m vain, I’m fairly frugal, and I …

Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience for your autistic child. By Ron Sandison One of the worst sensory experiences for me as a child was the visit to the dentist. I couldn’t stand the sounds of the drills or the dental scaler pick scratching away plaque. These s…

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…

During their eight road trips Tyler discovered his father’s unconditional love. Ron learned that Tyler was wired neurologically different—he would have to rewire himself to fit Tyler’s unique mind and interests. By Ron Sandison Ron and his wife Lori noticed during elementary school their son Tyler’s…

I often imagine words in fancy fonts swirling out of my mouth only to fall on the floor unheard. So many misconceptions about selective mutism exist. By Kimberly Gerry-Tucker Like many people who have been diagnosed autistic (in my case Aspergers), I have an overlapping condition: Selective Mutism. …

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 …