Collaboration – The Key

“THE ART OF AUTISM” is a collaborative that creates momentum for participating artists and shifts consciousness regarding autism. The project helps this growing population by giving them opportunities to display their art and diverse talents. This assists in building self-esteem and opportunities for making a livelihood out of their passion. We want to inspire their creativity and pride in their artistic endeavors.

In 1989, one in ten thousand babies were born with autism, today the statistic is one in ninety-one (American Academy Pediatrics Report, 2009). The ART of AUTISM shines the light on those on the spectrum.

Through participation in the book, aspiring artists can have their work displayed alongside blueprints by internationally-renowned Dr. Temple Grandin and art work of Donna Williams, as well as many talented artists on the spectrum. Contributing essayists to the book include Dr. Darold Treffert (Author and expert on savant syndrome); Dr. Stephen Shore (Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University in N.Y); Dr. Colin Zimbleman (mentor artist, depth psychologist and specialist on autism); Dr. Rebecca McKenzie (A developmental psychologist and specialist in autism); Elaine Hall (founder of the Miracle Project); Keri Bowers (film producer and international speaker) and Debra Hosseini (art curator and author).

The ART of AUTISM events are a source of inspiration for communities, families and children affected by autism; as well as the general public. Recent ART of AUTISM events featured artists, writers, poets, film makers, and speakers living on the spectrum. In New York City, Vancouver, and Los Angeles in 2011, well-attended entertainment shows featured dancers, musicians, orators, and even comics. The ART of AUTISM events encourage people living with autism to become self-reliant members of society. Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Michael McManmon and Donna Williams, all participants in our project, are examples of people who are not only self-reliant, but leaders in the community.

People on the spectrum often internalize the negative messages broadcast on the media. We provide an alternative to those messages; focusing on the positive aspects of autism.