Inspiration Wednesday: Autism Speaks

photo courtesy of Michal Czerwonka for The New York Times

This week a new study came out in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics that estimates the rate of having a child on the autism spectrum to be around 1 in 100 for children under 18. There was also a hopeful article in the New York Times Monday on the positive impact pets can have on autism-spectrum children. They talked about Autism Service Dogs of America who links up service dogs with people who need them.

I have a cousin on the spectrum whose parents have done a fantastic job of raising him with education, vocational training and socialization. But the rising prevalence of autism-spectrum rates - especially among boys - is truly alarming. It is just so fast, faster than genetic or evolutionary causes, and needs so much more research funding to discover why.

I like the organization Autism Speaks. They are an advocacy group trying to help families face the unique challenges autism brings while also bringing political pressure for funding & research looking for the causes of this disorder.

As a photographer, I look for that spark that makes every child unique and reflects how they see the world. Children on the autism spectrum - including Asperger syndrome - see the world very differently. All parents want good photos of their children but those on the spectrum may not do well in a traditional portrait studio setting. I am currently working on a series of portraits of these children.  Please let me know if you know any families who may be interested in participating.