COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT

As you scroll down, you will notice that this post directly corresponds with the "GUERILLA ART" post. We believe that autism is closely related to all of us in ECE as it is extremely likely that we will encounter children with this disorder some time in our practice.

Our Big Idea

- Place large puzzle pieces (the symbol of Autism) around downtown Toronto for people to participate in a large scavenger hunt

- Those who find the pieces could choose to:
a) participate
b) leave the pieces for others to find

- Those who do choose to participate meet at Dundas Square at a set date and time (instructions would be written on each puzzle piece)

- At Dundas Square, participants assemble the large-scale Autism puzzle

*Media and sponsors would be present during assembly, speakers (such as adults with autism, parents of children with autism, organization members, professionals in related fields) would also be present

Our Goal: to raise awareness and educate the public about autism

Art word of the week: balance

Simply stated, it's when equilibrium or harmony is reached.

Wouldn't it be great for everyone to be viewed equally? There are many people including professionals in the medical/educational field who are unaware about how autism affects an individual, and how to work with individuals with autism. It's a very "puzzling" disorder because there is no known cause and no known cure. 

For more information on autism and Autism Ontario, visit their website: http://www.autismontario.com/ 

 It is a great resource and has lots of ways for you to get involved in your community.

References

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children (6^th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar.