Influence of Art in ASD Children

Art is a part of humanity, and it's unthinkable to deny a child to the opportunity of creating something beautiful.

Dear readers, parents, teachers, tutors, Autistic Soccer can empathize that educating autistic children can seem like a challenge at some point. Indeed, it’s often hard enough to educate children without ASD, but to commit into getting and maintaining the attention of a child with autism when trying to teach them about something in which they have no interest whatsoever can seem, at times, nigh on impossible.

Kids with ASD may often require very specialized teaching methods in order to combat sensory issues, difficulties in focusing on certain things, communication issues, and possibly attention deficiency. These problems may lead many to wrongly believe that the child is stupid or unskilled, and a lack of socially interactive skills on the part of the ASD child does nothing to help this prejudice. The common perception is that children who can’t get along with school, can’t get along in the real world.

This can prove to be frustrating for parents who want to ensure that their child gets the best possible education and best possible start in life and thus his future. However, a little patience, understanding, and creativity when it comes to education, can go a long way if it’s done with the heart. The use of art as a teaching tool can have unparalleled effects in opening up an avenue of communication between student and teacher, and in engaging the interest of the pupil.

How Art Can Be Beneficial for Children Living with Autism

Art lessons for children have benefits of both practical and emotional nature. Some young autistic children may more than often struggle with their fine motor skills, for which the simple act of guiding crayons over paper can render a huge and noticeable improvement. However, as well as honing their motor skills, making drawings allows autistic children to communicate thoughts and feelings they may otherwise have a hard time to express. Viewing a child’s drawing opens a window into their interests, preoccupations, and emotions which may go unregarded in a child with ASD, who doesn’t communicate these things in a conventional way, but that doesn’t mean they must go unnoticed at all.

On similar instances, people with ASD can respond in surprisingly positive ways to creative teaching methods. Music, in particular, has been found to engage amazing responses from children with ASD. Many autistic children respond with far more enthusiasm to a music-oriented lesson or with a noticeable rhythm than they would to a more conventional lesson.

Some ASD children like the patterns and rhythms of music or chants (because they have order and harmony, notions that attract them), and these can benefit from, for example, math lessons phrased in rhyme, or chanted. Some other children like the opportunity that music gives to them to engage with others through clearly defined parameters, thus allowing them to socialize. Making music or singing a song with the rest of the class gives the autistic child a part to play, which is predictable and easy to complete yet simultaneously creative, expressive, and most important, inclusive. Making them feel included and important is one of the greatest ways a teacher can ensure that the mind of an autistic pupil is in tune with the class, that their attention is on the lesson and, this is vital, that they are enjoying the lesson.

A Special Note for Our Teachers and Parents

Visual aids can prove to be useful for those teaching autistic children. Those who provide resources for the teaching of autistic children recommend the use of visual aids to help clarify certain concepts which may be confusing for someone with ASD. Autistic children are less likely than other children to just accept the word that their teacher presents when the reasoning behind an action or concept seems incomprehensible.

Visual aids help to illustrate these concepts in an easier fashion, making them seem much more reasonable. This principle can be carried through into the classroom in general as well. Dear reader, here at Autism Soccer we recommend the use of a highly visually defined teaching area to help children get into a “learning” state of mind, and to make clear that you can’t act in this space as you would act at home (setting boundaries and disciple). Many autistic children appreciate clear boundaries and definitions because they bring order to a world they often find chaotic, and there is no more effective way of defining a boundary than through clear visual markers.

As you have read, here at Autism Soccer we care about art, education, and most important, our readers. Follow us on our social networks and don’t hesitate to leave your comments in the section below.

Not all autistic children despise the texture of paint on their fingers.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

1480 NE 131 St Unit 103. MiamI Fl 33161

Autismsoccer.org

Top 10 Artists Within the Spectrum

From Tim Burton to Daryl Hannah, many famous artists have lived within the autistic spectrum

Throughout history we have been witnesses (and fans) of the work of some of the greatest artists in the world of music, painting, film and theater, these are individuals that we admire for their dedication and for the creation of masterpieces; they have brought a never seen before perspective to their respective guilds, some of them even had to overcome great difficulties in their lives to be able to create these wonderful works of art.

What many of us do may not know is that some of these artists had to overcome one of the biggest obstacles: Rejection, and a difficulty in tightening social and affective bonds; That's right, some of the greatest artists in history live or lived within the autistic spectrum, even before this condition began to be diagnosed by doctors. This is a list of 10 exceptional artists whose condition did not prevent them from reaching greatness.

Did you know these Artists were in the autism Spectrum?

1. Courtney Love: One of the most controversial and highly glamorized singers from the past decade, selling multiple platinum level albums and songs though her career. While now being past 50, she still continues to be an active artist and actress as well.It was revealed through her biography by Poppy Z that Love was mildly autistic. According to statements made by Love herself, her social skills have always been below those shown by average individuals. To better herself, she and her friends visited LGBT clubs to soothe her frustration and improve her social skills.Despite the condition, she has shown shear resilience and an undeniable attitude towards her commitment for her career and her fans alike.
2. Susan Boyle: Back in 2009, this Scottish singer auditioned for the Britain’s Got Talent, and she touched our hearts with her mesmerizing voice and instantly became a sensation. After that, she never looked back and went onto selling no less than 14 million records around the world. Until recently, Boyle announced that she was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, through a Scottish specialist, to which she called “a relief”. According to her “Asperger’s doesn’t define me. It’s a condition that I have to live with and work through, but I feel more relaxed about myself,” she said in one of her many interviews. 
3. Stanley Kubrick: One of the most recognizable Film Directors by his attention to detail, Stanley was quite obsessive and had trouble dealing with people while making movies. It is now known that his Asperger’s led to his passionate attention to detail and his eventual fame as a film director, Kubrick was diagnosed in retrospect by Dr. Michael Fitzgerald. He based his diagnosis mostly on Kubrick’s behavioral traits like obsessive interests, poor sociability and lack of adaptability towards trying new things.
4. Hans Christian Andersen: This is none other than the beloved writer of such fairy tales as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. The experts go back and forth over whether he was autistic or not. Most of those who insist that he appeared somewhere on the spectrum are those who are autistic themselves, and relate to Andersen on a personal level.Andersen’s diary describes to great length his many bouts of unrequited love for those who he considered unattainable. The experts also note the recurring theme of outcast characters in his stories. Most never achieve their sought after happy endings.
5. Tim Burton: Is this iconic Film Director within the spectrum? His long-time partner (and mother to his children), Helena Bonham Carter, speculated that he was “possibly autistic” during an interview. While researching an autistic character for a film, Carter claims, she had an “a-ha moment” and realized that many treats of her research applied to Burton. Said Carter, “Autistic people have application and dedication. You can say something to Tim when he’s working and he doesn’t hear you. But that quality also makes him a fantastic father; he has an amazing sense of humor and imagination. He sees things other people won’t see.”
6. Lewis Carroll: The controversial author of the classic book Alice in Wonderland. While some of his behavioral traits like continuously seeking the company of young girls, has made some experts wonder if the university professor was actually a pedophile, others use the same information to theorize that Carroll was autistic.Lewis Carroll lived in a different time and place, with very different social norms than what we are used to today. He was also known to be a quite poor communicator, and thus likely found interacting with children much easier than with adults. Finally, Carroll showed great mathematical and logical ability, both common traits of those on the spectrum.
7. Michelangelo: This illustrious  Renaissance artist that was most noted for being unable to keep relationships with anybody. Some doctors have even hypothesized that his troubled social life and Asperger’s symptoms led to a more intense focus on his art work, which led him to paint the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling.
8. Daryl Hannah: The Star of movies like Splash and Steel Magnolias didn’t always have the ideal life, during her youth her social  interaction was a nightmare for Hannah. She would even rock back and forth to self-soothe and and was so shy that once she began acting she refused to give interviews or even attend her own premieres. Though she has mostly learned to gain control over herself and live with her diagnosis, Hannah has all but left the entertainment business to focus on environmental issues.
9. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Most scholars now agree that musical mastermind Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was somewhere within the spectrum. Mozart was allegedly extremely sensitive to loud noises, had a quite short attention span, and could change rapidly through a cycle of facial expressions within seconds. In one well-documented situation, a very bored Mozart began doing cartwheels and vaults over tables while meowing loudly, much like a cat.
10. Andy Warhol: Some Experts (like Judith Gould, the director of the leading diagnostic center for autism in the United Kingdom) insist that it would be logical  that Andy Warhol was living with autism. As we recollect from his lifetime, much of the artist’s work focused on repetition, on which those with autism more than often fixate. In interviews, Warhol almost always responded to questions with monosyllabic answers, possibly evidence that he had the verbal dyslexia that is so common among those on the spectrum. He reportedly refused to wear anything but a certain kind of green underwear. Those who argue against this posthumous diagnosis strongly suggest that Warhol’s different behavior was a calculated and voluntary effort to “enhance a sense of mystery.” 

Here at Autism Soccer, we show you that no matter in what part of the spectrum you are, yu can not only look up to those before you that overcame the hardships of living witht this condition, but that you too can achieve great deeds

Literature, music and photography: autism has influenced the world of art for ages.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

1480 NE 131 St Unit 103. MiamI Fl 33161

Autismsoccer.org

Famous Actors with Autism You Didn’t Know about

Actors deal with autism too and represent this condition on the big and small screen for those at home.

When we think about Hollywood celebrities, we rarely wonder about what’s going on in their minds. Actors might seem pure extroverts that enjoy all the attention and fame, but that’s not always the case. Even though it might seem like the life on the spotlight and an acting career would be the last choice for people on the autism spectrum, some actors have gone out of their ways to talk about their diagnosis and how autism has impacted their careers and lives.

When we talk about famous individuals, autistic actors are a rare sight. You’re more likely to find musicians and scientists on this field. But one thing’s true: autism didn’t stop them from taking a chance and work hard to star in some of the most remembered films and TV series of all time. It wasn’t easy, sure, but they kept going and took control over their futures. Here are three actors that live with diagnosed autism and you had no idea about it!

Daryl Hannah

Eighties iconic actress, Daryl Hannah, made her first appearance in 1978’s film The Fury, and then went on to participate in productions such as Blade Runner, Wall Street, Splash and Kill Bill: Volume 1. She’s worked alongside directors like Ron Howard, Quentin Tarantino, and Oliver Stone and co-starred with Hollywood stars like Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, and Michael Douglas. But one thing she’s spent most of her life in private is her battle with Asperger’s Syndrome.

She opened up about it publicly in 2013. “I was a little odd and incredibly introverted and withdrawn when I was young,” said Hannah about her childhood. She suffered bullying and has explained in interviews that doctors recommended having her medicated and institutionalized. Fortunately, her mother disagreed, and she was able to find in acting a vehicle for her vivid imagination.

“It’s confronting and always has been. But it’s the way I am; the way I have always been. I’m still not great in crowds. I’m fine one on one, but in larger groups, I lose my sense of self. Big events are always uncomfortable for me, and I don’t know if I will ever grow out of it. I try to keep those feelings under control, but it takes a lot of focus and concentration, and energy. It’s not always easy.” Dannah described in an interview with The Weekly. She now lives a calmer life as an environmentalist activist and has worked in the popular TV series Sense8.

Dan Aykroyd

You probably remember comedian, actor, and producer Dan Aykroyd for his works on Saturday Night Live, Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers. The 65-year-old actor has been diagnosed with Tourette's since he was 12 and Asperger’s Syndrome since the eighties. Curiously, Ghostbusters came to be thanks to his condition.

“One of my symptoms included my obsession with ghosts and law enforcement — I carry around a police badge with me, for example. I became obsessed by Hans Holzer, the greatest ghost hunter ever. That’s when the idea of my film Ghostbusters was born.” He told in an interview with Daily Mail. That’s for anyone who says that individuals on the autism spectrum can’t be creative!

Matthew Labyorteaux

Although Labyorteaux has never been a huge celebrity, people remember him fondly for his work in 1977’s House on the Prairie. He’s also notable for his roles as a voice actor in films like Mulan. The truth is Matthew didn’t walk until the age of 3 and didn’t talk until he was 5. According to his mother, doctors held little hope that he could ever live a normal life.

About his childhood, his mother remembers: “He slept standing up in his crib, and when anyone would try to pick him up he would scream and try to get away. I spent months on the floor with Matthew screaming and me holding him down telling him that no matter what he did I would love him." He then picked an interest in acting and went on to live a pretty normal life.

As you can see, for these artists, acting became a way to cope and overcome the difficulties that living with autism can bring into our lives. Acting can be a good vehicle to channel anxiety and strong emotions! At Autism Soccer, our goal is to provide exercises and techniques to strengthen our kids’ mental health and help them live a happier life!

The arts are not exempt from this unique condition, and within it, many artists thrive.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

Musical Instruments To Start

Instruments like the flute and the keyboard are nice options for special needs children. They won't have a hard time learning to play any instrument.

In the world of musicians, the requirements for being a successful artist are talent and love for what they do. Any known singer or band must be aware of the impact their compositions will have on people in general. The music can touch and relive experiences like nothing else does: they have the power to make people join their minds into singing along and feeling the melody echo through their souls.

Learning to play an instrument may not be as easy as it seems, but in the end, it’s nothing more than a process of continuous practicing on a daily basis. Special needs children are all about patterns and repetition, so learning to play any instrument might be a hard habit to develop, but with the passage of time it’ll end up being easy and your children will end up loving the instrument itself. Also, they’ll end up developing cognitive and communicational skills that a learning experience can bring.

If you as a parent feel like trying to teach your children to play an instrument, you must remember to think about your children and know which difficulties they might have. To prepare your children for this you’ll want to start off with some of these options, as they are the best gateway to a new musical experience for them:

Keyboard: In general, learning to play the keyboard has its difficulties at first. This instrument requires the capability of doing two different things at once. The benefits of learning this instrument are great for children in early stages of growth, including special needs children. Autistic children might find it stressful at first, as anything new takes them out of their usual routine. Be slow and patient but never cease trying, and you’ll have a keyboard player in no time.

Guitar: This instrument shares a characteristic with the keyboard and that is the required coordination it needs to be played and mastered. The positive part of learning this 6-string instrument is that your children will have a better capability to carry out tasks that require hand and mind coordination.

Steelpans: A percussion instrument made for those who play in orchestras or bands, it’s also known as steel drums. This type of drum it’s not that difficult to play as it doesn’t require much coordination at first, your children might find it fun to play and with some guidance, they might actually master it.

These instruments shouldn’t be hard for your special needs children to learn, and all of them will help in the development of skills they might be lacking at first. The experience of learning will also lead them to meet people with the same interests, allowing them to open up. The effects of music in children have a strong impact on children instantly and in the long term, creating a healthy habit in the process.

Remember, your children need to interact with others in order to be able to face life on their own, try and put them to play some sports in the meantime. Autism Soccer has the team made just for special needs children, don’t have second thoughts about it, contact them.

After your children master the instrument chosen, you'll see how good they are at learning the art of music.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

Paint the Autism

Individuals with autism can sometimes develop the hability to paint beautiful pieces or art.

There are forms of expression that aren’t just said with words. Music, literature and composition are examples of this. Painting is a form of expression that requires a creative mind and deep inspirational ideas to be done. Imagine how it feels like to be recognized for what you did with your brush on hand. Painting is a way to express what you feel or think through specific techniques that differentiate between artists, and the whole process of painting until it’s done: that’s art.

Autism children have a characteristic way of being that’s very similar to the attitude of artists: they’re different, and they’re aware of that. That’s what makes them so special and unique.

Children with autism are as capable of making art as those who do not have this special condition. Since some of them find it difficult to express emotions, art shows itself as the solution for the problem. They’re highly visual, so given the chance and the practice, your children can become a true artist.

How does art affect the growth of children? Massively, just like I said: they’re visual-oriented, they can extract lots of information just by watching. And there’s more, when drawing, it also helps with their social interaction in a group, a better notion of their surroundings and awareness of what’s going on. With some practice in that area those skills can increase further, making them even better at painting.

Art has many ways of being interpreted. Autism children put all their feelings and thoughts in what they draw, making them very diverse in the art they make. Encourage your children in trying new things; get them materials to give them freedom to choose. They need you to make what they want to happen, and you have to be there and aid them in their way. If you’re in the need of support for your children, Autism Soccer will be there for you. Reach for them and rest assured that your child will be in safe hands.

Children with autism are better at processing little details, showing more drawing talents.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram:
Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave
Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org