Autism & Art Therapy

Kids With Autism Become ‘Kids With Cameras’

A new documentary by The Polaris Group was just released called “Kids With Cameras.”

From the movie website http://www.kidswithcamerasmovie.com/:

Kids With Cameras follows the progress, challenges and triumphs of a group of autistic children participating in a film camp hosted by non-profit organization Actors for Autism, and taught by award-winning educator Brad Koepenick.

This one-hour documentary provides a window into revealing moments of he kids’ private lives – combined with interviews with their families – as they learn to express themselves through films, poems, painting and music.

Recent research – as well as testimonials from parents of the campers – indicates that developing the creative and acting abilities of autisti children significantly improves their communication and socialization skills, something that is frequently overlooked as a therapeutic tool.

Kids With Cameras takes viewers on an unforgettable journey of this process, poignantly demonstrating that creativity is an essential step to connect the increasing autistic population with the rest of their, and our, world.

Looks pretty cool! Here is a clip:

Kids With Cameras Trailer

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Artist With Autism Draws Entire Cities From Memory

Update: After a few days, Stephen has made amazing progress…and don’t forget, he’s drawing this from memory and only a 20 minute helicopter ride to recall.

**Watch Stephen draw New York City live this week.

Stephen Wiltshire was mute and diagnosed with autism at the age of three. His dad died the same year. When he was 5, he moved to London where his interest in drawing began and eventually blossomed. Wiltshire slowly began talking when he was about 9 years old.

Wiltshire (pictured left) continued drawing and would eventually be the subject of various documentaries, television shows, books, and even come out with 4 books of his own…including one that made the Sunday Times best-seller list.

Most recently, Stephen Wiltshire has been recognized for drawing entire cityscapes from essentially a glimpse of the city. In 2005 Stephen drew the entire city of Tokyo on a 10-meter long canvas. However, he did it from memory after a brief helicopter ride over the city. He didn’t get to refer back to any pictures later, he drew it all from memory. He’s even known for getting the exact number of columns correct, and I believe even the exact number of windows on buildings. Pretty amazing huh? I can’t even remember what I did yesterday, let alone how many windows are even on my house. And yet Stephen can take one helicopter ride around a city and draw it to near perfection. Simply amazing. Continue reading »

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Art Therapy & Autism – Creating New Hues

A great story about autism and art therapy I thought I’d share…Although April has passed, it’s still a poignant article. And why should we only be aware of autism in April anyway? Enjoy!

Art therapy creates new hues in Autism Awareness Month

by Eleanor Perry-Smith

Anxiety, over-stimulation, sensitivity — these are regular feelings for many people who have autism.  Feelings many of them can’t express vocally.

April is Autism Awareness Month and aims to speak up for people who have the disability.  While public awareness is necessary and helpful, how can it help people, especially children with autism alleviate their frustration?  Many families are learning about art therapy as an outlet for kids with autism to speak in other ways. Continue reading »

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Autism Awareness Day

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Below is some general information about autism, including a definition, some poignant facts, and links to resources for art therapy and autism. Continue reading »

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