Artism: The Art of Autism



Click the picture to learn more about the book.

Today I finished an article about this book. 
The pages are loaded with art created by people in the autism spectrum.  They are from all over the world and are all different ages, but they have all created incredible works of art.  They explode out of the shackles that autism used to try to hold them back and have found a way to express their talents and share their souls in an amazing way.

The author of the book, who has a son with autism, told me she spoke with a lady recently who told her that while she adores her son, she hates autism.  Then, this woman stopped herself and said, no, that wasn't true.  Autism is part of her child and she cherishes that child for who he is, autism and all.

This subject is pretty close to my heart.  I have a remarkable niece who has Rett Syndrome which, according to Autism Speaks (the nations leading autism awareness group), falls into the autism spectrum.  Her abilities are not such that she can paint pictures or sculpt with clay.  She cannot speak or even sit up on her own.  However, this little girl has changed our family in an incredible way.

Her name is Becca and you can learn more about her and her amazing life at her blog here.

Her courage and indomitable spirit are inspiring.  She may not be able to talk, but she lets people know what she likes and what she doesn't like.  She loves Disney princesses and has a boyfriend (I did tell her she was too young for that, but I am pretty sure it is just a crush).  She loves being with other kids and adores M&M's. 

Life for her has not been easy.  She is trapped in a body that doesn't let her share her thoughts and feelings the way she would like.  However, she doesn't let that stop her.  She still smiles and laughs and makes everyone else's life better just by being here.

I am constantly amazed by my brother and sister-in-law.  Instead of lamenting how hard things are they have molded their life around Rett Syndrome and have found joy in the journey.  That doesn't men life is simple.  My tiny little sister-in-law still has to lift a growing Becca in and out of the crib and the bathtub and that isn't easy.  Neither are the feeding sessions where Becca regularly chokes or the struggle to just get her shoes on. There will always be surgeries and medical bills and medications and doctors after doctors after doctors, but they don't let that run their lives.  They are inspiring.

Mostly, I hope that people will take from the book the idea that autism (or any disorder) doesn't define a person.  Just like some people are nail biters or diabetics or are tone deaf, people with autism are still people and they have the same needs and feelings as everyone else.  They still love music and hope for hugs.  They still have good days and bad days and look forward to parties and dessert.  These precious souls bring a beautiful depth to the world that it would be sad to lose.

Becca is a blessing.  I can't imagine our family without her.