Bringing Awareness to Artists in the Special Needs Community

Hello Everyone!

This is Liz for Liz’s Corner! It’s summertime and I hope everyone is enjoying the great weather and the longer daylight hours as it encourages everyone to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and nature!

My last article was a brief description of autism and some of the symptoms or behaviors these individuals exhibit. As a group, the spectrum and intensity of symptoms varies and each person is different and unique. Some individuals with autism may not be able to establish or maintain relationships or relate to people, objects, or events very poorly. Some may have much difficulty with communication and show inappropriate behavior in normal events. Individuals diagnosed with autism often prefer a very structured routine unchanging environment. They may also exhibit repetitive movements and sounds and slow development.

Here are some resources for those who would like to learn more about autism:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/whattodo/index.php

http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/autism/autism.htm

http://www.autismweb.com/sensory.htm

http://autismneighborhood.org/

http://www.asquarterly.com/about.html

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer

If you meet someone with autism, encourage interaction with them by demonstrating appropriate social skills and just be sensitive to their unique symptoms or behaviors. Take cues or learn from their family members or those who know them best on what direction to take when meeting them for the first time. When speaking to an autistic individual, just be aware that you may need to describe actions very concretely as feelings and verbal descriptions may not be understood. And most of all, just appreciate the interaction and the opportunity to learn about this very special person! Smiles until next time, Liz

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