'I am, how it feels to be me' Art Exhibition - January 2011

Sharon Malpass thought, after watching her daughter express herself through drawing, that it would be a great idea to organise a small Art Exhibition.

Sharon discussed the idea with a group of parents who all had girls on the autism spectrum and then approached the City of Salisbury who were very pleased to be able to support the wonderful exhibition, providing girls living in the north and north eastern suburbs with an opportunity to display their artistic expression.  

Steve Davidson from City of Salisbury preparing the paintings for hanging

This Exhibition, which was very proudly support by the City of Salisbury and sponsored by Rainbowland Autism Services has provided the girls involved with a very important opportunity to showcase their talents and to express who they are through art.  Children with autism don’t often get these special opportunities. Holding events like this is essential for growing confidence and self belief and to provide avenues for individuals to reach their potential in life. The Art Exhibition is also a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about girls on the spectrum, which the community knows very little about. 

On Thursday 27th January, the Art Exhibition official opening was a huge success.  The event was attended by 

• Kelly Vincent – State Member of the Legislative Council
• Mark Butler – Federal Member for Port Adelaide
• Tony Zappia – Federal Member for Makin
• Frances Bedford – State Member for Florey
• Betty Gill - Councillor: City of Salisbury

A big congratulations to all the wonderful girls who submitted their art for this amazing and inspiring exhibition. 

Holly-anne, Kristie, Lucy, Jenna, Lily, Zoe, Charlotte, Isobel and Jessica.

This event was very proudly sponsored by Rainbowland Autism Serviceswww.rainbowlandautismservices.com

     

     Holly-anne receiving her certificate

Kristie receiving her certificate

Below you will find all the wonderful art work on display at The Mawson Centre, Mawson Lakes (South Australia). 

Holly-anne - aged 7 "The Inner Star"

Holly-anne - aged 7 "The Robot"

Holly-anne - aged 7 "Water"

Kristie - aged 12 "Michael Jackson"

Kristie - aged 12 "Miku"

Kristie - aged 12 "Miku"

Lucy - aged 9 "My Head"

Lucy - aged 9 "This is Me"

Jenna - aged 7 "Happy Land"

Jenna - aged 7 "Holidays"

Lily - aged 8 "I Love My Dog"

Lily - aged 8 "Mosquito"

Zoe - aged 7 "Egyptian"

Zoe - aged 7 "I Love Rainbows"

Charlotte - aged 7 "Favourite Activities"

Charlotte - aged 7 "Home"

Charlotte - aged 7 "Charlotte Playing"

Isobel - aged 7 "Butterfly Friends"

Isobel - aged 7 "The Little Mermaid"

Jessica - aged 7 "Being Happy"

Jessica - aged 7 "Me"

VOTE 4 AUTISM in 2010

IT'S TIME FOR US TO MAKE A STAND & VOTE FOR AUTISM in 2010.

Rainbowland Autism Services and Autism Advisory Support Services have teamed up to start a facebook cause Vote 4 Autism.

AUSTRALIAN'S DESERVE IMMEDIATE ACTION FOR AUTISM!! We will be letting the major polical parties know how important the 'autism vote' is and how many people are affected by their decisions in this area. It is far reaching... not just the person themselves, but their parents, friends, relatives, therapists, health professionals, teachers, etc, etc.

You can help by joining the Facebook Cause or writing to your local member of Parliament.

Our children are worth investing in so that they have a chance at becoming a contributing member of society. With the current skills shortages and the situation worsening over time, it IS ESSENTIAL the Australian Government invest in autism or there will be generations of neglected people out of work and depedent on the Government to survive. Australia's economy can't afford for this to happen.

The main issue we will be focussing on is education. With funding for early intervention now in place and we applaud the Federal Government for this wonderful initiative, it is essential we focus on continuing support for our children. We believe that much of the early intervention funding could be wasted long term if support for children with ASD isn't provided throughout a child's school years. Children are making great progress with early intervention, only to regress when they get to school because the required support is not available. With recent studies from Melbourne's LaTrobe University stating that 1 in 100 children having an autism spectrum disorder, it is essential this education crisis is made a national priority. This is a very sad situation where way too many children are being denied the human right to an appropriate education. Our teachers also deserve much more support and education in this area.

We invite you to join the VOTE 4 AUTSIM Facebook cause and contribute your thoughts on this issue under the discussion topic (link found on right side of cause page) on the cause page.

This cause is run by Rainbowland Autism Services Inc. (RAS) & Autism Advisory Support Service (AASS)

Allison Dix, Director of Rainbowland Autism Services Inc.

Grace Fava, Director of Autism Advisory Support Services