Tools of the trade

Bj Lane…making her amazing mark!

Tammy K’s beautiful Mom Bj Lane www.bjlane.com

Teamwork ROCKS for Best Buddies: Shane and Chris.

Angelo maps out his thought process.

Modern day…Dragon Slayer??

SuperHEROES were on the grounds!! In all shapes and sizes!

Creating Connections!

Kai and his ARTFUL Universe!

A Spectrum of DIFFERENCE!

Community participation warms our HeART! Council member Jorge Marquez AND Senator Ed Hernandez!

Everyone can make a great mark

Positively, creatively putting it all together

Joel Anderson rubbing chalky elbows with Mayor of Covina Walter Allen!

The PAY-OFF!! Seen in Angelo’s smile!

So proud to have attracted City of Covina council member Kevin Stapleton to Our festival 2 yrs. and counting…!

The Goddess Energy of Ms. Keri Bowers!

Chalk Festival 2013 …Delegates!
Senator Ed hernandez, Mayor of Covina Walter Allen, Kai, Joel Anderson, Shane Mckaskle, Brent Anderson, Chris and Covina city council member Jorge Marquez.

Everyone needs to know….”Who’s Clayton”…because they ROCK!!

These musicians really made our day!
www.whosclayton.com

Drumming up FUN, LOVE and ACCEPTANCE!

OUR Playdate! The 2nd Saturday EVERY April!!

Sandy J and Ceirstie M OUR Raffle Angels!!

A Silke Heyer ART Bag…full of AutismHWY Love and Acceptance Coloring Books!!

Autism Movement Therapy now up her sleeve!!!

Sweet Stuff CREATIONS & Celebrate AUTISM!! Big winners in this crowd!

Taking away a bushel of FUN!

Buckets of LOVE and FUN literally!

Jeremy B. always has a lucky number!!

Like this sweet therapist…The DAY was a sensory WINNER!!

Saving the BEST for last. Kevin Rose, lead singer of Who’s Clayton WINS the Conga Drum!! PERFECT!

Huge love and thanks to our wonderful friend and supporter Mr. Jerry O’Brien. Your photographs truly captured OUR DAY! You are a strong uniting force as we lovingly team up to CELEBRATE DIFFABILITIES!  

Jerry O’Brien the huge heart and soul behind the camera!

That’s me, one of the many million lucky beings on this planet.  Today is our day to celebrate that label of fate or not! We all have memories and stories we share about our origins. “Our Mothership” lol. Some wonderful and others, not so wonderful.  The older I become the more I see the depth of the language people choose and the concepts not always seen at first glance. I no longer skim over words and thoughts a person reveals. I carefully contemplate and assign energy to each and every layer of their process. People do say what they mean when you listen deeply. Our Mother’s become so integral as to how we see ourselves and define our futures. Reading the thoughts and experiences from friends on-line today have me contemplating it all. Motherhood and all that is demanded and expected from it. YIKES, when you think it through you may be finding a day ‘assigned’ to that a bit overwhelming!

The blessed Mother….

Mom on a mission, Super Mom, Warrior Mom…Autism Mom??…NO, I like to keep it simple. Just a Mom. That is enough.

God saw fit to bring Wyatt into my life to inspire me. Inspire me to take my energy into a field of thought. A field of thought needing to be written by many Autistic people; Mom’s, Fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. Authentically written from the depths of what instincts are telling us. Change your perspective about your energy in the universe. Your origin your perception your mothership.

LOVE is instinctual. Looking at things from all angles is learned!!

 LOVE is instinctual. Looking at things from ALL ANGLES is learned!!

Angelo, 15 slays the crowd with this awesome DRAGON!

Best Buddy Artists Shane and Chris ROCK!

Carissa’s amazing mural….

The finished mural.

16 yr old Zach’s Batman and friends surrounding his super-hero Mom Sandra.

It has been 2 full weeks since our 3rd Annual Awareness Chalk~Art Festival ! A huge thanks to all of the many wonderful friends, artists, sponsor/partners and politicians  that have joined us along the way creating this cutting edge day! For the last 3 yrs in a row the 2nd Saturday in April has shown, and shown bright. Not in the rays of blue light, that

Alyssa, 17 shared her heart and trusty friend Shane!

people have become conditioned to associate with Autism. For us ‘Autism Shines’ in a rainbow of colors. Colors sometime light, sometimes dark and sometime bright.  It has shown people that it IS okay to be different. To be who we are in a rainbow of colors in a rainbow of behaviors and in a rainbow of ideas and trains of thought. So much difference to celebrate and support.

Joel Anderson a studied professional.

Kai, an 11 yr. old Artist mapping out his Universe

Autistic Self Advocacy Network!
Our FUTURE!!

The talented Bj lane. photo by Jerry O’Brien

What an amazing Tapestry of TALENT!!!

Beautiful ART, Inspiring speeches and acknowledging presentations by Senator Ed Hernandez, Mayor of Covina Walter Allen III Council Member Jorge Marquez made us feel very accepted and appreciated!!

Senator Ed Hernandez presents us with much appreciated recognition !

Council member Jorge Marquez, Kelly Green and Mayor of Covina Walter Allen III . What a great day we had.

Music by Who’s Clayton was the talk of the event. Kevin Rose, Josh Elmore and Darryl Black are on to something very good! Their original music and awesomely fun twists on old favorites made everyone’s day! Having their good vibrations floating through the air was amazing to say the least.

http://music.whosclayton.com/

If you haven’t heard of them yet you will. We are very honored to have had their super-star performance while creating our stellar ART! They were a perfect addition to our fun. After lead singer Kevin Rose won a GRAND PRIZE Conga drum during the raffle we sure hope they will be our Festival band for life!

Josh Elmore, Kevin Rose & Darryl Black = Who’s Clayton!!

It’s a beautiful thing!!!!!!!!!!!

After a day of Chalk and Play a much awaited magical  moment for our San Gabriel Valley kids!! The one and only Ms. Keri Bowers drumming up the amazing inspiration and interaction to connections she holds. TRULY MAGICAL!! Keri has an intuitive way of opening spectrum kids up to possibility. She speaks to ALL of our rocking ‘different drummers’ in ways they can hear the beat! Keri@normalfilms.com

James Carbone’s (SGV Tribune) photo of Keri Bower’s working her magic.

Someone that knows how important transformation is. Keri, such an amazing Artisan!

Our sponsors pulled out all of the stops AGAIN!!

AMAZING COMPANIES!! Local & On-Line!! Support them!

Donating cash, products, services and PRIZES!! AMAZING COMPANIES!! Local & On-Line!! Please Support them!

What a way to wrap up the event…with something fun for everyone to try and win…These organizations are winners to champion OUR DAY!! We thank you all greatly!

Helen’s Cycles GRAND PRIZE Donation!!!

Happiness on his AGENDA!!

Something for everyone!!

We had an amazing crew of volunteers that brought and set up tables, student volunteers helping with strong supportive hands. Friends putting their heart into our ART! We owe so much to so many helpful, talented and giving friends. Our hats are off to all of you! We could never have done it with out you! We LOVE and honor ”Team Chalk!”

Awesome support from Madi, Sheyla, Sandy Jacobs and Ceirstie

 Last year’s guest appearance of Aspie Artist Silke Heyer from Germany was fondly remembered….and LOOK she and her recruits fondly remembered US. Chalking along side of us from where they stand on this fantastic planet.

Universal Good Vibrations…Chalk festival #1 Braunschweig Germany!

The connection through Art and Autism had us thinking on the same plane literally….California via Germany. With out telling our good friend and partner Silke the plan of wanting  a “Yellow-Brick Road” painted through-out the grounds of the event. (With alas, no time to bring it to life in California) My highly intuitive partner and kindred spirit in ART took care of that WISH in a most beautiful  and telepathic way!

A sparkling and magical pathway to ACCEPTANCE!

 STUNNING ON MANY LEVELS…..

Follow the Yellow-Brick Road…& CHALK with us…EVERY April on the 2nd SATURDAY!

Thank you again to all of the colorful friends that are taking this glorious path to acceptance with

us. SEE YOU next year!

 NEXT BLOG: PHOTOS from PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Jerry O’Brien!!!

A study recently places the numbers for occurrence of Autism at 1 in 50 births.

Many will use this to sound alarms and drum up negative attention. Scaring people into that old familiar ”Fear Awareness” as we head toward the month of April again.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Be afraid the numbers are growing…help us to stop it now.

This sentiment has been causing pain. People that think they are helping are harming. Imagine yourself as the “IT” in that sentence. Now, read the sentence again.

1 in 50 are authentic.

When we can get past this tactical train of thought designed to garner sympathy and donations. We will be winning awareness, real awareness. We need real truths about Autism passed around during the month people are willing to entertain ‘our stories.’ Stories about differences and the changes that can be made to make these differing styles people have more comfortable. Help us to understand the sensory and processing nuances that make us unique to one and other. Become willing and able to accommodate change.

Sadly, we in the Autism community are the ones holding all of the ‘real awareness.’

We, the ones the media does not generally hear.

Big dollar lights and ribbon campaigns flash and wave. What do they signal to their masses ?? Look at me…I am Autism?! I am growing. How does that make anyone aware? How does that build meaningful lives for Autistic people? How does that help you recognize the Autism in your life?

1 in 50 is a bogus report.

I believe Autistics have always been 3% of the population or thereabouts. I believe I have always known Autistic people that were perhaps clumped into ‘other groups’ and not identified as ‘Autistic’…growing up, in school, throughout my entire life. Probably some of my teachers too! I think all Artists have Autistic traits as well as scientists, engineers, mathematicians etc. There have always been Autistics helping to build societies of every culture from the beginning of time. Autism is not a new epidemic.

Human Traits.

We all have this central nervous system that’s ‘wired for speed’ some systems are coated/ protected with built in buffering…some systems are not & feel life in a more raw state.  Some of us have all access to layers of left and right brain action, while others do not. We all have the opportunity to be and feel Autistic. Sensory perceptions, processing styles are normal human reaction as to how one copes with the streams of stimuli constantly happening.

Learn something useful about Autism and yourselves!

 Interpreting and reacting to loads of daily data. The difference being our kids/adults on the spectrum are wired to always be ‘in that mode’ amplified or de-amplified. Permanently feeling and thinking about things differently. ‘NT’s (Neuro-typicals) have meltdowns and struggle with processing all of the time. We are more alike than generally believed.  To me 1 in 50 says: We have FINALLY learned the basics of brains and behavior. How our minds and bodies link to our central nervous system to perceive the world. How those differences drive all behavior and how we can  recognize “it” in all people if we look.

So be aware that AUTISM is more human than not and perhaps, 1 in 50 are super-human.

In the heART of Awareness month for LIFE!

It is with great excitement we enter into Our 3rd year of our grass roots event for the awesome  Autism Community in So-Cal and BEYOND!! Each year the goodwill feelings grow and swell. After all, ART is undeniably a way to the HEART of all matters. With this event we also seek to open the MINDS to all  matters!

ART is a KEY!!

Big, small, happy, sad, difficult, easy…the matters that make up  a LIFE. An Autistic life or a Non-Autistic life. We all  experience these matters of the heart and mind just amplified in different measures. Both halves of this equation bring a lot to the table that the other cannot provide. We all have unique talents, thought processes and skill sets that the other needs.  We need to support, understand and accept these differences and use what each entity offers the equation. That is diversity equality in a nutshell if you ask us!

Find your keys!!

That is why we all need to be different from one and other. Equally worthy. There is no ‘prototype’ normal person that “does it all”. That is the biggest myth of all  in life. Simply put, that person never existed. No matter how hard society may try to sell us on that imagery 24 hrs. a day. We all have strengths and weaknesses that need to be applauded and supported.  We are always better working together. Understanding that, and utilizing each others talents accordingly is the best way toward a cool forward progression.

Autistic minds have not been given  credit where credit is due. People on  the Autism Spectrum have all kinds of talents, thought processes and skill sets to get things done on this planet.  This is a simple yet unrecognized truth.  Possibly all of the most brilliant and exceptional minds this world has seen were Autistic on some level.

Chalking up~Brain Awareness paves the highway to happiness!

At the AutismHWY.com Awareness Chalk~Art festival we celebrate our lives and we showcase the skill sets we have. We fraternize and make friends in a creative and positive environment. We seek to teach people what we have learned from our loved ones, each other and our friends on the spectrum. Sharing useful information with our community in a very vivid, colorful fashion! We have all been needing this mindful awareness  that the Autism Spectrum seems to stimulate.  So come out and see how we can color your perception about Autism and what Autistic people are capable of…

Yes INDEED …AustinG! photo by James Carbone

Joel Anderson popping up with his happy crab!

Silke Heyer’s turtles …that FLY!

Jeremy and Kai…with Kai’s ART!

Daniels…comic strip come to life!

COME OUT and Enjoy Yourselves!!!

Recently there has been a ‘fire-storm’ a ‘flash-blog’ over what should and shouldn’t be.

“Fix Yourselves”

Sadly, when typed into the Google tool bar…Autistic people should…the auto complete words that ‘popped-up’ were DIE & BE EXTERMINATED. Those of you that read my blog know that I am the mother of a great teenaged son that happens to be a non-verbal Autistic. What a sad, sinking feeling to hear this dismaying news. Yes we live in a world that can be terribly demeaning and unkind to people with differences, but this? Imagine how my Autistic friends here on- line everyday felt. How would Wyatt feel if he knew? This medium of the internet has opened up our community by leaps and bounds. So we love to travel here and abroad- we hop, skip and jump to all of our sites and  blogspots  to get the news, views and moods we need. It is truly a life-line for us. Our daily diligence, our check-in~ whatever you want to call it…IT WORKS for us ! Our true “Autism- Information HWY” so, to see this. In the tool-bar of our trade?? Not good. Our trade of trying to promote friendship through common understanding. AutismHWY.com’s original mission statement. Paving the way for future generations to be Autistic and proud. Understood and comfortable in the world. It will be accomplished.

I feel we are all out here on the net and in our communities trying to infuse the world with new trains of thought. Our search engines are on over-drive learning, shifting, sharing and pressing forward. Forward to a new way of thinking. Thinking in directions that are so obvious that they have been lost somehow in this complex existence. The thought processes it takes to understand the inner workings of Autism teach people the keys to personal interactions. Personal interactions with ones own mind and body and (the bonus) with others. It is simply put the key to humanity. Our central nervous systems and how they perceive/handle the world are the engines driving our behavior.

Photo by: Yumi Yasuyama- Adventures in Autism

Understanding the limitations and differences people have on this electrical infrastructure we are born with is LIFE. This is how we as people ‘roll.’ I am thankful that Autism has touched my life and helped me to make these connections.

So to see the societal attitudes mirrored in this fashion was appalling to say the least.  Despicable hate speech like this spelled out for all of our universe to see felt crushing. When advocates feel they are making headway in the world, this kick in the gut was devastating. But, as the saying goes you cannot keep GOOD people down and AUTISTIC PEOPLE are just that sort !! They banned together wrote thousands of wonderful, eloquent words of truths that can no longer be ignored. This amazing group of flash bloggers took Google to the mat. Releasing a statement to the press about this horrific “auto complete hate speech” upon searching this phrase.  BRAVO to the amazing Autistic Adults and Individuals supporting Autistics everywhere. Brilliant brave people that pushed this issue with their positivity FORCING Google to “fix” this from happening in the future! The future of change!   http://www.nj.com/parenting/index.ssf/2013/02/google_changes_policy_for_auti.html

We tip OUR HATS to you and you alone.

You have the power to CHANGE THE WORLD. The knowledge and experience to tell the world the hidden truths about AUTISM and where society can help auto-correct the negative stereotypes that always seem to POP-UP!!

Our hope for humanity!

READ the INCREDIBLE COLLECTION OF TRUTHS in the FLASH~BLOG Post Roll Here:  http://autisticpeopleshould.blogspot.com/p/postroll.html

Hot Topic…………!!

We all remember that viral-video of Jason McElwain : the Autistic Basketball manager made, star ” J-Mac.” If you don’t? Well then,  just Google it. He is everywhere. A talented, dedicated guy that got a 1 in a million chance to be a superstar!! That 2006 moment from his life was transformative. Transformative for him. More curiously transformative for others.

Watch his story HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1fw1CcxCUgg

Jason the beloved manager for the team. An Autistic young man that  so obviously loves the comradery of sports particularly, basketball.  All season long working his job, enjoying the ups and downs in the ‘life of a season’. It is magic. An excellent environment for any person Autistic, non -Autistic or any other difability. The endorphins that flow in that on-going setting are very powerful. I experienced this as a kid growing up and again in 2010 when my non-verbal son Wyatt and I joined the “A-League” in San Dimas California. An entire season of Baseball games and after game fun for 4 teams of Autistic kids of all sizes, ages, shapes and abilities. Transformative indeed. Good healthy outdoor activity with movement, patterning and friendship. It was magic.

Getting into the game, as you are.

Teamwork does ROCK.

Archives of that season HERE: http://autismhwy.com/blog/?cat=62

Letting people evolve their abilities naturally with supports and structures is how we ran that season. How most season’s run. Everyone was encouraged to play to their own ability and no one criticized anyone else’s style. Nice. An ideal atmosphere to learn and grow. Problems arise when you “tamper” with that simple formula.

This week I was surprised to see a NEW viral basketball video hauntingly reminiscent of the 2006 video I’ve cited. Time warp or something I will dub the “J-Mac Effect.“? Another basketball team manager with a difability and an enormous love of the game getting out on the court in the last minutes of the season.

Here is his ‘transformative’ MOMENT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1bIzYMXRfY

At first blush the majority of people see a wonderful thing…even MORE wonderful in that an opposing player kicked in with empathy for this latest team manager on the court. A great kid going with the obvious flow of what the crowd wanted. The coach makes dramatic proclamations that he had pre-planned and decided the last minute of  this  last game would belong to Mitchell come win or lose?!! Who’s moment is this again, Coach? Seems like he felt Mitchell needed his ‘J-Mac moment’ and the News, the crowd and everyone else became swept into that madness because, they needed it TOO. Whether Mitchell likes it or not he is on the spot to make this shot. Wow. Time for your transformation so everyone can feel good. It seemed forced and unnatural to me. If my son had been placed in that situation he may have taken his shoes off and thrown them to the top off the gymnasium ceiling! Mitchell is visably slumping and distressed as he misses shot after shot after shot. A lot of pressure thrust on someone unexpectedly. Had he not made a basket the angst aftermath could have been devastating for him. Happily, he got that hoop and  smiling photo op being lifted atop the team. But, at what cost?  Who was it really for? Fairy tale endings are best left for Hollywood. Forcing transformative moments is not what is needed. Understanding people with difabilities, including and respecting them as they are is.  So this video struck a very raw nerve with many.

Too HOT to handle.

This is a HOT topic and sets people off  igniting debate. Autistic adults do not want to be set up, coddled, infantalized and told they are so inspiring by merely being themselves. So why do we think our children will? Imagine how you might feel? Possibly hurt, insulted, marginalized and annoyed?  For Mitchell to be molded into the latest inspiration story was wrong even though his mom seems genuinely happy for this memory. Above all else intellectual respect is what feels good, what human dignity truly craves. It’s what people feed on, self-worth for the person you are and the things that you like to do. Whatever that is! Who wants to be patronized and turned into some coach and news stations idea of a ‘feel good’ story? The J-Mac effect.  To be respected  and appreciated for his loyal work, love of the game and for performing his managerial duties is what is expected, hoped for. That’s how Mitchell is a huge part of the team. Not some over the top Inspiration Porn for others trying to turn him into J-Mac. Yes, you heard me right…”Inspiration Porn” This is what Autistic Adults have dubbed this type of mass ‘back patting behavior’ when a person with differences is spotlighted (kind of.)

We have all seen this before. Like the recent Kathie Lee Gifford over the top debacle. The story about the ‘sad Autistic Kid’ that no-one sits with at lunch. Awwww, I know: let’s do a “feel good story” about the wonderful boy whom will sit with him. Bring them to New York for their big moment and to tell their inspirational story LIVE!!  Again good intentions gone awry….Kathie Lee’s big ego, I mean-idea to compose a song is the most inspirational ‘I.P.’ move ever.

An AWESOME AUTISTIC Response: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MwuJy07lQY

What is that???

& Can we stop??

Instead of these feel good stories really geared for and about the ‘non differing people’. Give these guys the kind of awe  and help they truly deserve: How about a story describing what it takes for folks like J-Mac and Mitchell to navigate the cool jobs they have landed for themselves and kept with a season of hard work, devotion and diligence? Give the audience ideas what it takes to support their success’. Treat them like the real valid team members that they are. Give them shots to play all season. Don’t turn them into a storybook ending that teaches nothing useful about inclusion and leaves everyone just sayin’ …..awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.

OUR Faithful Mission!

…and ALL THERE! I recently learned that this is the great slogan for the City of Covina. Coincidentally, the city of my birth and fantastically the city of Our 3rd Annual AutismHWY.com Awareness Chalk~Art Festival!  Quite often you will hear that Autistic thinkers …think outside of the box or, if you will- square. Come out to our fun filled event and you will see square after square chalking out miles of that awesome truth!  We in the Autism community will spin perceptions around and get this community truly thinking about Autism from the inside~from the heART ! A side many people have as yet to discover!  We invite the community to please join us in our ’all there’ squares and learn about the amazing, fun and creative people living with Autism.  Make your plans now to join us~~> Saturday April 13th 10 am to 4pm Charter Oak High School Covina California !!!

A day to share and enjoy LIFE on the Spectrum!

COME OUT and Enjoy Yourselves!!!

LOVE Taps???

As Wyatt grows into a young man it was bound to happen. My rose-colored specs would grow wiser and yes, darker. If you have ever happened upon this blog then you know I have an exuberance for life and all things Autism. Some may say an ’unrealistic exuberance’ but, I say that ‘u.e.’ doesn’t exist. IF you are exuberant about something, you believe in it wholeheartedly. I believe in Autism and I am not unrealistic about it. I live with it as an outsider looking in.  I feel it empathetically, I watch it’s every move, but I don’t experience it. That is Wyatt’s forte. His experience that I study and learn from. I learn for him and I learn for me. I learn for my day to day life, I learn for the culture and the world that we live in. It is my duty.  Honestly, I believe it is all of our duties!

The energy that is life, is contained and expressed in so many differing ways by each unique person. People have no groundwork on people. No one understands the basic framework we all operate under and how the working parts may differ and translate this world. Physically, chemically, electrically and emotionally.  Making “sense” of this is quite a delicate and combustible endeavor you must admit. Anything can go wrong and often does! People are amazing creatures and it’s time we researched ourselves….we should all be googling our own mind-body connections that create our behavior. Understand it and define it. OWN yourselves…mind and body. Recognize and understand who you are and how you feel and how that translates. You may be surprised where you find yourself fitting in. We are all on this spectrum of humanity and how we feel it the same and differently!

What I want all people to learn is that my son is exactly like any other person. That is the part that most people don’t understand about him or Autism in general. The Autistic person’s heart, mind and soul are always intact. Perceiving and sensing this world through a different wiring/processing system. Able to communicate in wide ranging ways. In varying degrees from A to Z. My son’s system I call his…[Autism priZm]… seems to bend the stimulus in ways that his system can receive it. He expresses those transmissions with the  sounds and movements available and natural to him. Working on the HWY’s of his mind that are wired for traffic! Communicating in his way. At times a symphony or at times a storm of raw nerves. We try and adapt to each new day and these stimuli as they come.  Using tools we have learned to relieve or harness this energy and funnel it productively. This lifestyle transforms us into quite the flexible team. I have been wearing these rose-colored glasses since long before Wyatt was born. It’s who I am, making me a solid choice to be this boy’s mother. Everyday he continues to challenge my resolve, my attention to detail and my deductive powers. He is my Autism mentor.

HWY to understanding!

Things can get dark…

Light and airy…..

Currently the onset of his teen years are playing havoc on his framework. He has surges of adrenaline and testosterone that his system has a hellish time translating. As if his blood is literally boiling through his veins. In these moments he ‘bangs it out’. How many of us rub, massage and press firmly (or even bang) on areas of discomfort we may have? When Wyatt has these phases of discomfort/frustration his system demands the same x 100 or x 1000… Make your own amplification to drown out your pain. It’s a common practice. It’s a ‘human thing’. We ourselves or family members all do the same in an array of techniques. Both positive and negative if we really look. People are blessed with a miraculous central nervous system. How each of us operates on that system and amplifies stimuli  is what we need to tune in to. Why NOT do a little fine tuning people? Dial your mind and body into what is really going on within your framework . Understand your system and the differing systems of others…..All shades of rose are beautiful light, dark and everything in between. So put on your spectrum specs and get real!

People do what they do because of the way that they ‘feel’ !!

Everyday, every HolidaY AutismHWY.com will find ways to put the information on the table! Promoting friendship through common understanding at every opportunity! Our mission is to find fun and creative ways to teach people useable facts about the hidden issues that are AUTISM. Here is a preview page from our upcoming “Awareness EVERY Month” Coloring Book filled with “teaching tool” pages!

Ideal for families, teachers, therapists and professionals.  Lovingly created by myself, Kelly Green and my wonderful partner, artist and friend Rachel Walker! Look for our 3rd book in early December by clicking the coloring book link at the bottom of all of our web pages!

Our coloring pages truly open the doors to expanding knowledge! As we move forward gathering true knowledge through experience~ Autism becomes more human. More human than, human if you consider it on the deepest level possible. You can do it if you try. Just this month a young girl on the spectrum proved just that.

Her diligent and profound artwork told me that I am on to something fantastic with these coloring pages and books!!  

AutismHWY.com was invited to ‘The Spirit of Aloha’ a Hawaiian festival in the amazing town of Temecula California benefiting the Our Nicholas foundation www.ournicholasfoundation.org/

 In honor of the event we created a New coloring page…in the spirit of Aloha! (Every opportunity…like I said!)

My partner Rachel took my single flower design pictured here to a multi-pattern design creating an opportunity for something profound to evolve!

I had tables of children happily coloring our pages of acceptance and we met some fantastic families. One family with two beautiful blonde daughters on the spectrum affected me deeply. Sisters with degrees of Autism as varied as the spectrum itself. Both beautiful in unique ways. One a “colorer” and one…not so much (like my Wyatt).  I watched with such pleasure as she enjoyed every stroke of the crayon and her sister took a walk with her father.Take a good look at this masterpiece I was surprisingly gifted with, making my day.

I was taken aback by this presentation and the speech that accompanied it. My new colorful friend Morgan told me that the flower on the right was the Autistic one….because it had all of the “extra stuff” going on! Wow…she simply gets it. My wise colorer helping me to teach others with her innate sense to describe herself. Her pride and complete self awareness is exactly what I hope to see in the generations of children coming up. People with higher levels of mind and body understanding and ACCEPTANCE. Bravo Morgan…you have validated all of our efforts BLESS YOU! Here’s to more and more children becoming as wonderfully self-aware as you!