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Art for Autism. Yoko Ono Auction Art to Bring Awareness to Autism.
Posted by Kailin
April 28, 2009
Categories:  Estrogen Empowerment, Randomness, Uncategorized
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Hi Ladies,

Just wanted to share with you a concern that will probably affect you or someone you know in your lifetime:  Autism.   This year 1 in 150 children will be affected by it, more than pediatric cancer and any childhood diseases combined.  Every year, the rate increases by 10 to 14% so by the time you are thinking of starting a family and having children (within the next 10 to 20 years or so), the numbers will be even more likely that your children may have Autism or a form of it.  And currently, there is no known cause of Autism.

Autism is worldwide.  In fact, China reports such an increase in Autism that they are beginning to train more teachers for special needs schools.  Autism knows no boundaries and can affect anyone of any nationality, gender, race, socioeconomics, religion, etc.  Famous celebrities like Jenny McCarthy are finally bringing attention to this condition because her son has Autism.   An organization called Autism Speaks was established by the head of a television network because his grandchild had Autism.    I became aware of this organization because a friend of mine was recently honored by them for donating much of his savings to the cause.

This month, I’m donating $1 from any of my books sold, to Autism Speaks.   For those who do not know, this is between 20 to 50% of the book’s total sales to the cause.   If interested, here is a sample of my book, The Gifted Girls:  Activities Guide to 365 Days of the Year.  Now #34 on Amazon.com’s Self-esteem and Self-respect Category.

It is something I’m deeply passionate about and will continue to bring awareness to through my writings, through publishing resources and media for Children of Special Needs, and through talking about it.

John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, recently came into the public light to bring awareness to Autism by donating one of her artwork to auction.

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MarilyneL

April 28, 2009

People have to be aware of autism and donations such as Yoko Ono’s , yours and mine can really make a difference and spread the word. Great initiative Kailin ;) and congratulations for your books! :D


Auntie Kailin

April 28, 2009

Hey Marilyne – Thank you! I know Yoko Ono hasn’t been out in public for a long time so this is something she really believes in, too.


Emma-Lu

April 29, 2009

This is wonderful Kailin! Thanks for these stats, I really had no idea till now how common it is. It’s good to spread this awareness, so that we can be prepared to deal with it and not fear the outcome of it.


Auntie Kailin

April 29, 2009

@Emma-Lu – Very true about being “prepared to deal with it and not fear the outcome of it.”

The reason why we don’t hear of Autism as being that common is because people fear the label of it since most people don’t understand what it really is. Their idea of an Autistic individual is of Dustin Hoffman’s Rainman, who has a severe case of Autism. In actuality, many people with Autism seem very normal, but have some sort of brain impairment that impacts their speech and social interaction.

It’s a little early to announce it, but you’ll find out soon enough…I’m penning and in development of a feature film called, “What’s Going On in Oliver’s Mind?” about a brilliant brilliant high-functioning autistic teenager name Oliver, a character based on some real-life cases and studies I’ve researched. I’m hoping this film will help bring to light what an individual with Autism is going through, especially a teenager with Autism. Needless to say, I’m very excited about this project since it combines my love of character-based storytelling with my passion to tell the story of a segment of society who basically have a hard time speaking for themselves – Autistic children and teens.


jessica f

April 29, 2009

kailin,
Im glad you are informing people of autism because not many know about it. i am only very aware because i use to work for a company that specializes in therapy for autism. i think you are doing a very good thing and really admire you for supporting such a wonderful cause. :O)


Auntie Kailin

April 29, 2009

@ Thanks, Jess!

Like Jenny McCarthy said in an interview, Autism is a subject no one (especially the American government – both parties even) wants to talk about right now because there are sides saying it’s caused by one thing or another. It can be controversial, and I don’t know which party stands for what or what group stands for this or that. All I know is that innocent children, babies even (signs of Autism starts at age 20 months) are in the heart of this. Just because they are not old enough to vote or speak for themselves does not make them less human.

It’s really great you worked for this company…so you’ve had firsthand experience playing with the kids and getting to know them as real people, not labels.


Kathy

April 29, 2009

There was an article in the BBC recently about the role genetics plays in autism. Scientists found a genetic variant that may reduce autism cases by 15% if corrected. Here’s the link if you’re interested:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8020837.stm


Auntie Kailin

April 29, 2009

@ Hey Kathy – good article. I’m actually aware of this breakthrough. Although it is still inconclusive, it is a step, nonetheless :)


Jennifer

April 30, 2009

Great article! My mom’s cousin has a son with Autism so I’m very aware.

There was a movie on lifetime a few years ago about the social stigma and discrimination of autistic children called “Miracle Run” An amazing movie.


Auntie Kailin

April 30, 2009

@Jennifer – Thanks for sharing about your relative with Autism and about the film, “Miracle Run”. So true about the social stigma and discrimination…and in some cases (Jenny McCarthy’s son and one of my dear friend’s son) where the child is high-functioning, it is curable if there is intense intervention and treatment early on.

Some of these children are so brilliant – genius is sometimes tied to autism, it is incomprehensible.

The film I’m developing is very much in the grain of edgy and artistic. I want to capture the brilliance that is in the mind of the fictitious Oliver. The film is not so much about his Autism but about his life and how Autism is a part of it. I’m very very fortunate that it is generating interest. : D