Autism is a neurological variation (a neurodiversity) that occurs in about two percent of the population and is classified as a developmental disability. While Autistic people have deficits in certain areas, they also have unique abilities. Behaviors of autistic people can be misunderstood. Families who raise Autistic children can be ostracized and shunned.
Autism Unveiled is a project which shows the struggles, the gifts and concerns of 90 Autistic people in their own words. Blogs include poetry, art, videos, and insights from this unique population. Temple Grandin, Dr. Stephen Shore, Jennifer O'Toole and Jacob Barnett, the 16-year old physicist were among the contributors.
I hope people will visit the project and learn about this growing population. There words are profound, their art is incredible, and maybe we can learn something from people who are different, not less than.
April is Autism Awareness Month. Let's move to Acceptance.
More info: www.the-art-of-autism.com
Autism Unveiled
The Autism Unveiled project included an incredible gallery of self-portraits.
Stephanie Tihanyi "Neurodiverse Tree of Life"
The concept of neurodiversity is a paradigm shift. Instead of seeing large groups of people as diseased or suffering we look at cognitive differences.
Sarah E. Vaughn an incredible artist on the spectrum
Sarah E. Vaughn created this amazing art piece because she didn't have words to describe her autism
Jacob Barnett a 16-year old Physicist who is Autistic
Jacob says "My autism is why I'm successful. It's why I care."
Tom Iland, CPA, motivational speaker, and man with autism
Tom had special accommodations to pass the CPA exam.
Dr. Temple Grandin can think like a cow
Temple has designed over 50 percent of cattle handling facilities in the United States for the humane treatment of cows
Emma Zurcher is nonverbal yet speaks through an IPAD
“The people of this world need to be exposed to difference and then shown compassion for their ignorance and limited thinking.” Emma Zurcher
Candy Waters a non-verbal autistic girl draws suns and angels
Candy Water expresses herself through her art. She draws incredible suns, angels, and flowers.