The Art of Autism a collaboration of autistic artists, poets, and entertainers

Amrit Khurana autistic artist from Noida India

by Debra Hosseini “I know many people will disagree with this, but both me and my husband feel that Amrit was given to us for a reason. … I’m not sure what the lesson is for Amrit, but for us it is love, love, LOVE.” Aarti Khurana The Art of Autism is privileged to receive many emails from wonderful artists…

Dr. Stephen Shore: The Importance of Art and Music

By Dr. Stephen Shore, from “The Art of Autism: Shifting Perceptions,” page 44. “Vibrant waves of sequenced patterns emerged in my head whenever I looked at musical notes and scores. Like pieces of a mysterious puzzle solved, it was natural for me to see music and its many facets as pictures in my head. It never occurred to me that…

The magic of Autistry Studios – projects make good therapy

“Dignity of risk means if I give you a saw I trust that you will be safe with that saw. We allow the students to take risks.” Janet Lawson, Founder Autistry Studios Autistry Studios is situated in a 10,000 square foot warehouse in an industrial zone in San Rafael. It’s innocuous from the outside appearing as blank and uninviting as…

Jeremy and Rebecca's collaborative piece

Jeremy Sicile-Kira paints his dreams

Debra Hosseini Jeremy said to his mom, “I had a dream I painted 10 paintings and I had a showing in an art gallery. Do you think this could be true?” If you follow twenty-four year old Jeremy Sicile-Kira on twitter (@Jeremyisms) you will quickly be pulled into his view of the world. Examples of Jeremyisms are “Justly determination and…

Eddie – Superboy! The photography of Matt Perko

“We often try to make our kids fit into our world. I felt this project allowed me a foot in his world.” Matt Perko, Eddie’s dad Eddie was only a few months old, yet Matt and Marge noticed something wasn’t right with their first-born. He didn’t nurse. He had digestive issues. He missed simple milestones – smiling; playing with toys….

Dr. Darold Treffert – myths about autism

“The remarkable abilities of the artist with autism surface because of their autism, not in spite of it.” Darold Treffert, M.D. It is unclear exactly when the first art by a person with autism appeared. Some say it dates back to earliest times. Whenever it first happened, the world ever since has been brightened by the work of these unique…

Autism Awareness Month: a time to celebrate gifts and support the arts

by Debra Hosseini Despite the negative media and the intense societal focus on conformity and curing autism, these young people feel positive about themselves. “What is the most important thing a parent can do for a child with autism?” the reporter asked me. That question gave me reason to pause. Most parents wish for their children to be happy and…

Young autistic adults and parents find acceptance and community at unique Autism Movement Therapy workshop

by Debra Hosseini I reluctantly accept the offer from Joanne Lara and Keri Bowers to attend a unique Autism Movement Therapy (AMT) workshop that combines parents and young adults on the autism spectrum in one room. I’m skeptical that Kevin, my 18-year old autistic son, will be able to last five hours on Saturday and Sunday, his two days off…

It Takes A Child – Elaine Hall

“There is this myth that children with autism don’t have empathy. I’ve found the exact opposite to be true: children with autism are instead the most highly sensitive individuals I have ever had the privilege to know.” When traditional therapies didn’t help my son Neal, who was adopted from a Russian orphanage at two years old and diagnosed with…