Studies have shown more than 44% of mothers and 28% of fathers of children with autism have been professionally diagnosed with depression, and need the help, encouragement and willpower to prevail and see the brighter side of the picture.
Art Possibilities curriculum includes:
· Drawing
· Painting
· Cartoon making as behavior modification methods
· Comic strips
· Photography
· Illustration for children's books
· Humorous characters
· Techniques for murals
· Mixed media
· T-shirt painting
· Greeting cards
· Computer animation
· Documentary and Film making
· Art shows
Founder Mayra Ron Talks About Her Experiences With Art Therapy:
Twenty-two years ago, when my son was diagnosed with autism, not much was known about his prognosis. Such was the state of affairs at that time that I was recommended to institutionalize him. I was also told that he "may never read, never potty train, never speak." Despite the odds, he speaks, writes, reads and was potty trained both day and night well before regular kids - at the age of two. Yet, that was many years ago when one in 10,000 were diagnosed with this ailment.
Today, autism is rampant. One in every 150 children has some sort of this disability, yet all the resources and grants go to the small children -- those who have the chance for early intervention, in the hopes that they may be cured. Millions go into new studies, new diets, new advances to discover the why - treat and eliminate it. And that's wonderful.
Art Possibilities addresses another matter... one that's been locked in the annals of our attics ~ what to do with the millions who, like my son, were diagnosed 22 years ago? Those that did not incur in the privilege of all these medical advances and are now in 'nowhere land.' With a special diploma to their credit, they have truthfully nowhere to go. A job opportunity seems obscure since most do not understand the concept of time nor money, cannot take breaks during work hours for they do not comprehend an activity can be interrupted before it's finished.
They do not fit into a Day Training Facility where many Down Syndrome adults feel comfortable, since they do possess other abilities and are bored there, thus causing behavior problems or isolating themselves. It seems society has forgotten them. And that's where the dream of Art Possibilities was born. I call it a dream for still, after so many years that this malady has existed, no provision has been made for those who aren't healed from autism when they attain adult age and are out of our school system.
There is no "right place" for those who advance wonderfully, as my son, yet cannot blend as "normal" into society. What to do with those thousands? Do we shut our eyes to them, as has been done, and allow them to stay at home watching TV all day, accompanying their parents everywhere, forcing one of the couples to retire from their day job to keep them company, or stick them in a Day Training Center that's honestly not appropriate for them? So these older counterparts are the forgotten ones; the reason why I wrote my first book, "Can You See Me?" They are the ignored ones. Those this world has decided not to see.
So, I've chosen, just like many other parents with me who have adults like my son, to scream and ask, "What are we to do with these? ... Do they not deserve to live a fulfilled life? Why must they be hidden away and why must it be all our responsibility? Why did all those agencies that promised us a smooth transition from high school to adult life not tell us the truth: we do not have a place for them."
If you read my son's biography, you'll notice he didn't paint until he was 17. He has no apparent ability that caused the world to notice him; no strength. He liked super heroes and one day, I found out he liked to draw them - very childish drawings, but he liked it!! He liked something! He could actually spend hours drawing very awkwardly, but through repetition, heartfelt teachers and 10 years later, he can draw and paint.
No, as I say in his biography, he's not a Picasso, but so what? He's Christian - that's his name and he's found a place in this world. And that's what Art Possibilities' mission is: to find a place where our adults can transition. Not an hour and a half art class, but a place where they stay all day. Clean, well arranged, with art teachers and trained professionals, where through vision, behavior and speech therapy, fine motor exercises, repetition of lines, eyes, faces - they learn to express themselves while utilizing the right side of the brain - the non-verbal side... the neglected area the school system, with its left-side and analytical teaching, pounded on them for years.
As a non-profit organization, Art Possibilities helps address the need for adults and teenagers (children 10 years and up) with autism to develop life skills, social skills and on-premise job training, which will be catered to the individual level of the adult’s skills.
Art Possibilities’ website is www.artpossibilities.net. They can be contacted at 954-682-3264 or info@artpossibilities.net.
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