Autism affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.
It is a spectrum condition, which means that while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will impact each of them in different ways. Some people are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have co-occurring differences and need a lifetime of specialist support. People who are on the Autistic Spectrum may also experience over-or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light and colours.
Early intervention, education and support are critical in enabling children, teens and adults with autism to lead fulfilling lives. Let’s ask ourselves ”How might this be affecting their lives and what can we do to help?”
First of all it is important to understand how being Autistic is impacting their lives. What does it mean to them and not just the negatives but the positives too. What accommodations can be made to help support them? How can we adapt the environment, human and the physical space so it works with their autism? Inclusivity, understanding and celebrating the unique qualities of being on the spectrum is how we can move forwards positively.
For parents needing some support in the early years The Little Explorers Activity Club has created an online e-booklet. Link below
Online Support – The Little Explorers Activity Club CIC
To learn more we recommend the Open University Understanding Autism course
Iris Grace Painting 
Iris is an incredible young girl. What a gift she has that she is able to share with the world. I am in love with her paintings. The next time I find myself in Europe (I’m from Canada), I will make a point to try and purchase one of her lovely creations! Painting a Lullaby, Tumpty Tum, and Octavia are my favorites thus far 🙂
I am 10 years old and a big fan of Iris and her paintings. Her parents are so lucky to have her and her little cat.
#cute!
They look like “feeling pictures” 🙂
..judging from Iris’s work I see Autism is, in a way, a real gift.. she may be closer to The Power which we are seem to be forgetting about at all.
Good luck.
kisses to Iris from malaysia. xxxx.
Maybe Iris perceives the world from a spiritual dimension we forgot that exists; and she lives more in there than here. She is totally pure and reminds us of the purity inside of us. Every stroke touches us deeply inside.