A note from the personal paw-printed stationary of one Scaredy Cat Dear Friends,
As you know, in the last couple of years I’ve shared with you my adventures in autism. You might even know that one of our Awesome PnF artists is autistic!
Autism is a wide spectrum, permanent (Autism never goes away. And, children who are autistic grow up to be Autistic adults), neurological disorder, but every autistic pet and hooman alike have the same wish. They wish to be accepted and to live their best lives, just like you!
This year, my wee hooman cousin was officially diagnosed with autism, too. You know what that makes him? Well, it makes him especially awesome, of course!
Hoomans and pets who are on the spectrum must work extra hard to do most of the things other pets and their hooman family and friends may take for granted. They may need special clothing, or blankets, or toys, or foods to help them accomplish what others do every day with ease.
Think about they autistic people you may know, or those you may have heard about, or learned about.
Do they prefer only blue M&Ms? Do they quote movies to communicate? Are they talented artists (Like our own PnF artist!) who never put down their art brush? Are they funny? Are they bookworms? Are they superstar singers who burst into song in the pet food aisle? Do they flap their hands, spin, or rock? (Stimming) Do they repeat after you, word for word? (Echolalia) Do they line up their toys? Do they wear the same special outfit all the time? Do they have amazing memories?
What are some things that neurotypical folks might do to show acceptance of normal autistic behaviors? (At home, at work, at the movies, at the park, etc.)
This week, to celebrate Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month, please join me, Scaredy Cat, in creating art that shows all the ways in which neurotypical hoomans and pets can show our autistic pets and friends that they don’t have to fit in a one-size fits all box!
Whatever you come up with, this week is all about Acceptance of those on the autism spectrum. The world would be a much grayer place without the colorful and unique take on the world that autistic people provide. Let’s show them we’re ready and waiting to help open up the world to them, in any way they might need.
I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Love, Scaredy Cat
*** The month of April is Autism Awareness/Acceptance month. If you'd like to show your support, place the Multi-Colored Ribbon for Autism (found in the shapes tab in mall) or one of the Autism Infinity Symbols (found in the decorations tab in the mall) somewhere in your scenes.
Here's the basics:
Your submission MUST be related to the theme
You must submit your art to the PnF art gallery - only entries there will be counted.
https://apps.facebook.com/petsnfriends/community.p... * Put "Autism Acceptance" in the title or description
* The entry with the most votes will be declared the winner.
* To vote, click the "vote" button - you may vote for as many entries as you want
* Voting will be open immediately
* This challenge will be open from now until around 12:00am GMT April 9th (around 8:00pm Tuesday night in the USA).
