Autism in Action

04/14/08

For several hours March 29, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Student Recreation Gym was transformed into an artists' paradise.

From pencils and paint to canvas and cardboard puzzle pieces, children diagnosed with autism expressed themselves through original artwork during the first annual "Autism in Action" art day event, sponsored by the Student Government Association of Texas State Technical College in Waco.

"Often times, if you have an autistic kid in public, all the public sees is a rowdy kid," said Sarah-Jane Sanders, TSTC marketing and communications coordinator. "They operate differently than other people do."

"They can do so much more than people think they can, and we'd like to show the community that."

Sanders said one in 150 children will be diagnosed with autism.

SGA Parliamentarian Broderick Wilson's Autistic stepson inspired the idea behind "Autism in Action."

"We knew that he was really interested in painting," Wilson said. "He concentrates much more on painting than anything else."

"Once an Autistic child finds their niche, they stick with it," he said. "It can really boost their self-esteem."

Fourteen-year-old Ryan Padron found that niche nearly four years ago.

"My only favorite thing to do is draw," Ryan said. "I feel great by drawing, like I'm a new person or famous."

Ryan finds his inspirations in a small Animation book featuring Naruto figures.

"It gives him the opportunity to show what he's capable of," said Mary Padron, Ryan's mother. "It just proves that even a child with a disability is capable of everything a normal child can do."

"He's in a different world," Padron said.

Padron has two nephews that were diagnosed with autism as well.

"These programs are great for kids," she said. "Every child will find their talent."

As part of the university's biannual "Reaching Out," several UMHB students even joined in on the art.

UMHB students, Kelli Hearn and Allison Hulcy, found themselves in the heart of the artwork greeting children and passing out oversized puzzle pieces for family and friends to paint as well.

"We enjoy working with kids, loving on them," Hearn said. "I love seeing them interact with their families."

"It's a real sweet ministry," she added.

All original artwork will be auctioned in April to help raise money to benefit the local and national autism organizations and to provide scholarships to graduating students transitioning to college.

For more information on the "Autism in Action" program, visit www. waco.tstc.edu/autism.

 

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