Do you know what the term autism means? Have you seen a child with autism? Have you ever wondered how we could support an autistic child? Here are some solutions to help you support children with autism.
Highlighted in this blog are ten outstanding artists who are committed to increasing awareness about autism and are not only talented in their field. These artists use their skills to break down barriers and promote a greater awareness of the diverse conditions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by exposing the struggles and successes of living with the illness through painting, sculpture, music, and literature. Their art crosses conventional lines, providing distinct viewpoints that embrace individuality and encourage social acceptance. Before we get started, let’s review the main indicators of autism in students.
Understanding Autism
Did you know that millions of individuals globally are dealing with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), a disorder of brain development? Social skills, speech, nonverbal communication, repetitive habits, and other developmental disorders are characteristics of autism. Awareness of this illness is spreading around the world.
Key Signs of Autism Seen in Students
1. Social Communication Challenges:
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- Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation.
- Limited eye contact and lack of facial expressions.
- Challenges in developing and maintaining friendships.
- Difficulty understanding and responding to social cues.
- Prefers to play alone or has trouble engaging in group activities.
Also Read: Effective Communication: How to Build Trust Between Teachers and Students?
2. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors:
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- Insistence on sameness and adherence to routines; gets upset with changes.
- Repetitive movements, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.
- Fixation on specific topics or objects.
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., aversion to specific sounds or textures) or unusual sensory interests.
3. Communication Difficulties:
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- Delay in or absence of language development.
- Repeats words or phrases (echolalia) without understanding their use.
- Difficulty understanding or using non-literal language, such as idioms or humor.
- Limited use of gestures or facial expressions to communicate.
4. Emotional Regulation Challenges:
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- Difficulty managing emotions, leading to intense reactions or meltdowns.
- May appear to lack empathy or have trouble understanding others’ feelings.
5. Unusual Learning Patterns:
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- Uneven skill development (e.g., advanced in certain areas but significantly challenged in others).
- Strong memory skills in specific areas.
- Difficulty with executive functioning, such as planning and organizing.
6. Behavioral Issues:
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- May display behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, or disruptive actions, often as a result of communication difficulties or sensory sensitivities.
7. Resistance to Physical Contact:
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- May not like being touched or held; might prefer not to engage in physical activities.
10 Artists Raising Awareness on Autism
1. S. Priyanka
Priyanka, diagnosed with autism at a young age, expresses her world through vibrant paintings. Her works, often bursting with colors and depicting themes from nature and spirituality, offer a window into her perception. Exhibited across various platforms, her art is a testament to the expressive capabilities and inner worlds of individuals with autism.
2. Niranjan Mukundan
Although not a traditional artist, Niranjan Mukundan, an international para-swimmer, uses his platform to raise awareness about autism. Diagnosed with the condition, he has shown exceptional prowess in sports, shattering stereotypes and inspiring many through his journey and advocacy.
3. Satish Gupta
Renowned for his multidisciplinary approach, Satish Gupta has actively engaged in projects supporting children with autism. Through workshops and collaborative art projects, he has created inclusive spaces for artistic expression, helping to raise awareness and understanding of autism in Indian society.
4. Tanya Sengupta
An artist and poet, Tanya Sengupta uses her art to navigate and express her experiences with autism. Her work, rich in symbolism and emotion, provides profound insights into the autistic experience, challenging misconceptions and advocating for neurodiversity.
5. J.A. Tan
J.A. Tan, a Filipino-Canadian artist based in India, has autism and channels his experiences into captivating artworks. His paintings, characterized by their depth and complexity, explore themes of isolation and difference, offering a perspective that resonates with many on the spectrum.
6. Siddharth Batra
A photographer with autism, Siddharth Batra captures the world through his unique lens. His photographs, often focused on the minute details that captivate his attention, provide a glimpse into how individuals with autism perceive their surroundings.
7. Vishnu Nandan
An artist diagnosed with autism, Vishnu Nandan is known for his intricate drawings and paintings. His attention to detail and unique artistic style not only showcase his talent but also serve as a medium for expression and connection, transcending the barriers of verbal communication.
8. Pranav Bakshi
Pranav Bakshi, India’s first model with autism, breaks barriers in the fashion industry. His work in modeling not only highlights his talents but also challenges stereotypes associated with autism, fostering a conversation about inclusivity and representation in the fashion world.
9. Dipti Singhal
Dipti Singhal, a talented artist with autism, creates art that reflects her inner thoughts and emotions. Her paintings, characterized by their vibrant colors and expressive strokes, offer a unique perspective, encouraging viewers to understand and appreciate the diverse experiences of individuals with autism.
10. Shalini Gupta
An artist and a mother of a child with autism, Shalini Gupta uses her art to advocate for autism awareness. Her work often includes elements that represent her journey with her son, aiming to educate and inspire empathy towards individuals and families affected by autism.
Various Organizations That Spread Awareness on Autism
1. Autism Society of India (ASI):
The mission of the Autism Society of India (ASI), a nationwide nonprofit, is to empower individuals suffering from autism and their families. They plan a range of events, such as workshops, seminars, and awareness walks. In the area of autism, it also prioritises research, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
2. Action for Autism (AFA):
An innovative non-profit organization in India devoted to autism is called Action for Autism (AFA). They engage in a variety of activities, such as parent education initiatives, awareness campaigns, and support for the rights of individuals with autism. In addition, AFA runs a school and offers intervention and assessment services.Â
3. Tamana Association:
Tamana is a non-profit organization that was founded by Dr. Shayama Chona and runs schools and vocational centers for individuals with autism and other developmental problems. They regularly plan awareness campaigns where we witness their talents with autism display their talents, such as fashion shows and exhibitions.
4. Ummeed Child Development Center:
Ummeed provides clinical services for children with developmental disabilities, including autism. They offer training programs for professionals and parents to conduct awareness and call for initiatives to encourage inclusive practices.
5. Sankalp India Foundation:
This foundation works towards awareness and early intervention for autism. They organize workshops, and training sessions, and provide resources and support to families and professionals working with children with autism.
6. Forum for Autism (FFA):
FFA is a parent support group based in Mumbai that advocates for the rights and needs of children with autism. They organize awareness events, parent meetings, and informational sessions.
7. Saathi:
Saathi is an initiative that focuses on awareness and support for autism in India’s northeastern regions. They conduct workshops and training sessions and provide resources for families and professionals.
Also Read: 7 Ways to Give Voice and Choice to Students in Classroom Activities
Conclusion
The artists and organizations listed above have shared their particular expressions while persistently striving to clarify myths and misconceptions surrounding autism, raise awareness of the condition, and offer resources and assistance to those who are affected by it and their families. They serve as a reminder that autism comprises not just a special talent and perspective but also a distinct set of problems. People throughout the world are still motivated and educated by their profession, which promotes a society that is more accepting and understanding.
It’s also critical to recognize that each person with autism is distinct, with unique qualities, difficulties, and abilities. Although the exact causes of autism are unknown, research points to a role for both hereditary and environmental factors. Although there isn’t a “cure” for autism, the approaches these artists have shown can assist individuals with ASD develop methods to cope and acquire new skills.
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