Thursday, April 10, 2014
A beautiful insight to Autism
Hello friends,
I want to share this beautiful article penned by Debra Hosseini on the Art of Autism. It surely touched my heart and I wish to share the same with you all.
by Debra Hosseini
April has been designated as the month to contemplate autism. There is a growing movement among people who are knowledgeable about autism who wants to see the word awareness change to acceptance. in 2011, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) proposed we change the designation from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month. The Art of Autism would love to see April designated officially as Autism Acceptance Month.
Acceptance requires heart-felt action. Awareness is passive and can even be harmful. Especially if the messages are negative as we’ve observed in many media campaigns. Our children internalize the messages they receive. How many times have I heard non-verbal Autistic adults relate detailed reports of conversations they overheard as children. Never assume those who aren’t verbal don’t understand!
At the Fred Conference last week, Areva Martin shared a story which touched many in the audience. She observed a family with foster children who had various disabilities sit in the back of her church. The children were sensitive to the noise in the church and made sounds and acted in strange ways. This was uncomfortable for many in the congregation and soon the family became isolated in the back pews.
Areva noticed this and made a conscious choice to sit next to this family in quiet support. She encouraged friends to do the same. Soon this family was fully included and felt a sense of belonging in that church.
When Areva moved her seat to sit next to the family she moved the congregation from awareness to acceptance. Sometimes a small action such as a simple smile or hello can make a huge difference in a person’s day.
With more and more children being diagnosed with autism, it’s no longer good enough to be aware. “Aware” is a word that may even have hostile implications, such as “I’m aware you have autism, and am going to exclude you because of it.” We’ve witnessed this in our own community with my son Kevin. Earlier this year, a “friend” emailed me she was praying for Kevin. Later I discovered she was creating hostility in the community behind our backs. Prayers without right intent and action are meaningless and can even cause harm.
April is a month to celebrate people who may be wired differently than the rest of us. They may talk to themselves, flap their arms (self-stimulation), like to spin, repeat sounds or phrases (echolalia) or not talk at all. When overwhelmed they may have tantrums. They may have dual diagnoses.
They may also have profound insights and gifts to share.
I want to share this beautiful article penned by Debra Hosseini on the Art of Autism. It surely touched my heart and I wish to share the same with you all.
Autism Acceptance Month and The Golden Rule of Autism
April has been designated as the month to contemplate autism. There is a growing movement among people who are knowledgeable about autism who wants to see the word awareness change to acceptance. in 2011, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) proposed we change the designation from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month. The Art of Autism would love to see April designated officially as Autism Acceptance Month.
Acceptance requires heart-felt action. Awareness is passive and can even be harmful. Especially if the messages are negative as we’ve observed in many media campaigns. Our children internalize the messages they receive. How many times have I heard non-verbal Autistic adults relate detailed reports of conversations they overheard as children. Never assume those who aren’t verbal don’t understand!
At the Fred Conference last week, Areva Martin shared a story which touched many in the audience. She observed a family with foster children who had various disabilities sit in the back of her church. The children were sensitive to the noise in the church and made sounds and acted in strange ways. This was uncomfortable for many in the congregation and soon the family became isolated in the back pews.
Areva noticed this and made a conscious choice to sit next to this family in quiet support. She encouraged friends to do the same. Soon this family was fully included and felt a sense of belonging in that church.
When Areva moved her seat to sit next to the family she moved the congregation from awareness to acceptance. Sometimes a small action such as a simple smile or hello can make a huge difference in a person’s day.
With more and more children being diagnosed with autism, it’s no longer good enough to be aware. “Aware” is a word that may even have hostile implications, such as “I’m aware you have autism, and am going to exclude you because of it.” We’ve witnessed this in our own community with my son Kevin. Earlier this year, a “friend” emailed me she was praying for Kevin. Later I discovered she was creating hostility in the community behind our backs. Prayers without right intent and action are meaningless and can even cause harm.
April is a month to celebrate people who may be wired differently than the rest of us. They may talk to themselves, flap their arms (self-stimulation), like to spin, repeat sounds or phrases (echolalia) or not talk at all. When overwhelmed they may have tantrums. They may have dual diagnoses.
They may also have profound insights and gifts to share.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
The Exhibit-2014
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| The Exhibit at the Open Palm Court Gallery |
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| Amrit with Ms Merry Barua |
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| Amrit with her Playgroup Mentor, Ms.Rashmi Verma |
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| Amrit's support gang; Mrs. Nina Luthra, Mrs Aprajita Ralli and Anandita |
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| Visitors at the Habitat Centre |
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| Basking In Glory |
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| Invite from Views from Planet Autism |
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| Aditi and Adhya with Amrit's work |
Views from Planet Autism March 2014
Hello and greetings to all the lovely people out there. I
feel ecstatic whenever I sit down to share another leap in Amrit's journey with
all of you. This is the third year that we have displayed her work
at Views from Planet Autism at the Habitat Centre and all those of you who
have seen her work will, I am sure, agree that there is a marked maturity
in her work as well as her persona. Indeed Amrit has come a long way. Her lines
have become clear, her concepts have matured, her painting has become neater and
overall her connect with her surroundings and her understanding of the
world around her has seen a huge maturity. For a long time now, Amrit has been
following the news and seems to be interested in reading the newspaper every
morning. In fact it's quite an interesting sight to see her sitting with her
cup of morning tea focused on the newspaper. This newly acquired interested is
very evident in her portraits of politicians and celebrities this year.
One thing that also stands out is the focus on the figures. Off course the
colours and the hues remain as vibrant as ever. The attention to
detail is also a salient feature of her work.
Once again much of the credit to this transformation in her
work goes to her mentor, Mr. Anil Goswami who has been her guide, facilitator
and her pillar of strength. I owe much of this to his unflinching, selfless,
constant support and endeavor. Another wonderful person I cannot thank enough
is Mr. Pabitro, who has been by her side, gently guiding and nurturing her
talent. These two gentlemen have once again given Amrit a reason to smile.
When I sit to write about Amrit, one thing that always
overwhelms me is the gentility of the people who touch her life. My
colleagues, my friends, my younger daughter's friends and their parents, the
network and support has been growing. It leaves me stunned and I cannot but
marvel at the ways God showers his blessings. All these people, Known and
unknown have touched our lives and we are truly blessed to have come in contact
with them.
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