Drawing Autism [Repost]

Although autism was first identified in 1943, the last decade has seen the complex neurobiological disorder become a topic of conversation the world over. Knowing no racial, ethnic or social barriers, today autism is diagnosed in 1 in every 150 children, with boys four times more likely to be autistic than girls. Known as a spectrum disorder, autism manifests differently in every diagnosis. From social deficits to behavioral difficulties and language delays, the severity of autism varies greatly from person to person. The unique nature of how autism affects individuals in myriad ways makes the disorder a challenge for those who have it, have children with it or work with those living with the diagnosis. Art has long been an outlet used by some individuals with autism to express themselves in instances where words do not work, or cannot be made to.

Editor Jill Mullin is the recipient of the inaugural Felix in Art Award, presented by Extreme Kids & Crew!

"Drawing Autism highlights an 'area where individuals with autism can have great abilities.'…Jill Mullin, a clinical therapist, explores the recurring themes in art made by people with autism." –New York Times Book Review

One of Brain Picking's Best Art, Design, and Photography Books of 2014

"This book is a testament to the power of art to reveal the inner world of people living with ASD." –Publishers Weekly

"A jaw-droppingly beautiful book." –Library Journal

Included in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's "96 Books For Your Summer Reading List" under "7 Visually Appealing Books"

"Drawing Autism is not just a book about autism and art–it's a book about being human and expressing selfhood in all its beautiful, messy, complex forms. Add Drawing Autism to your wish list, tell your friends about it, and show it to your kids on the spectrum." –Autism/Asperger's Digest

"Mullin, a behavior analyst, brings together fascinating works by 40 artists on the spectrum with their answers to her questions about their process." –The Boston Globe

"Editor Jill Mullin has collected artwork from a host of painters and other graphic artists who are all somewhere on the spectrum. The fascinating and often lovely reprints in Drawing Autism help provide another perspective on the capabilities of people with autism." –Time Out New York

"Mullin's clinical background in Applied Behavior Analysis, combined with more than a decade helping individuals with ASD, serve her well as the book’s curator." –The Portland Phoenix

"[Editor Jill Mullin] has put together a beautiful and stimulating exhibition-in-a-book." –Story Circle Book Reviews