Autistry Newsletter March 15, 2017
Description

It’s March and the madness at Autistry is all about projects and preparing for the return of the much loved Autistry Scientists & Artists Party. For more details and to purchase tickets (buying tickets online in advance helps us plan the food and drink!) go to: AutistrySAparty.brownpapertickets.com

AandS 5

Building stuff. Why do we do projects at Autistry? Because they’re fun and they’re cool. YES. But they are also amazing teaching tools. The process of creating a project involves more than one particular skill. It requires planning, experimentation, execution, and a great degree of self-regulation as things rarely turn out as initially envisioned. Here are just a few of the many types of projects we do at Autistry.

Woodworking: Over the years the students have created some amazing projects using the large array of power and hand tools at the studio. We often joke that Autistics with Power Tools should be our motto. But there is far more to working with wood than attacking a piece of lumber with a skill saw. Plans need to be drawn, materials purchased, and there is the continual need to measure and remeasure. When students first come to Autistry most cannot use a ruler. But they soon learn that a mis-measured board can ruin a dollhouse!

woodworking

Model Building: We often use model kits as “B” projects, the thing you do while glue is drying on your “A” project or the 3D printer is slowly spewing out your masterpiece. Students have built tanks, airplanes, and cars and this seemingly simple activity is actually filled with learning opportunities. Putting together a kit requires reading, understanding, and following directions. And, in the case of the very popular remote control kits, models can also help with fine and gross motor skills. Not to mention learning how to drive.

models

Filmmaking: One of our golden rules at Autistry (right behind THE FINGERS NEVER LEAVE THE HANDS) is NO STORYBOARD/NO CAMERA. A Hollywood director once told me that actual filming is like cutting sausage – the real work is making the sausage. So, before the first shot is taken our students write a treatment and create a storyboard. This not only exercises executive functioning skills (planning, organization, prioritizing, etc.) but the storyboard serves as a roadmap and a means of communicating your fabulous ideas with others. Because filmmaking is a team sport.

filmmaking

Sewing: This is a sadly overlooked art form and a very practical skill. Creating a quilt, piece of clothing, or the cover for a sword requires all the steps used in woodworking, model building, and filmmaking. The project begins with an idea that needs to be developed into a workable plan. Materials need to be purchased. Skills need to be learned. And, as is true for all projects, adjustments need to be made. Resiliency and problem-solving are key when creating any project and every experienced sewer knows how to use the seam-ripper.

sewing

These are just four types of projects. We also build computers, write computer programs, make dioramas, use the 3D printers to make our own cameras, cook yummy food, and create boardgames. The possibilities are endless as are the creative ideas flowing from our students.

Comments
Order by: 
Per page:
 
  • There are no comments yet
Related Feed Entries
By Ron Sandison September 23, 1936 – October 25, 2024 “My purpose in life is to share the stories and art of people with autism and bring hope to parents who often feel devastated by the diagnosis of autism.” Dr. Laurence A. Becker, film producer of Fierce, Love and Art and With Eyes Wide Open…
5 days ago · From The Art of Autism
By Kadin McElwain Last month, after my usual morning routine, I had to sit down with my family and have breakfast. That morning, we all had some healthy protein pancakes, made with whole oats. I’m not the biggest fan of oats, nuts, peanut butter, and the like, so I was a bit hesitant to eat the meal…
10 days ago · From The Art of Autism
By Raquel Abiahy Fashion is often seen as a dazzling world of creativity, individuality, and self-expression. But for someone like me, an autistic model and activist, it can also be a space filled with challenges, misunderstandings, and exclusion. I’ve spent much of my life navigating the intersecti…
06.11.2024 · From The Art of Autism
By Martine Mussies 音の洪水 心は溺れる 静寂求む A flood of loud sounds My heart is drowning deeply I long for silence ** 一つの道 深く掘り進む 宝を得る On one path I dig Deeply to find my treasures Passion in my hands ** 人の海に 波の間に立ち 孤独感じ In a sea of crowds Standing strong between the waves Loneliness sets in Martine Mussies …
01.11.2024 · From The Art of Autism
By Ron Sandison I want to encourage people with disabilities that you can accomplish great things and just because you have autism doesn’t mean you can’t do something good to help others. Micah Newcome, Author of The Adventures of Cari and Joe Dori Harrell who edited my fourth book Adulting on the …
16.10.2024 · From The Art of Autism
Rate
0 votes
Info
16.03.2017 (16.03.2017)
674 Views
0 Subscribers
Recommend