has made Mom proud. It seems he has artistic talent, enough so that the school district’s art teacher made arrangements to work with him one-to-one for one afternoon a week. As a result, the school submitted two of my son’s works to an art competition sponsored by VSA Arts, open to disabled people of all ages. The competition was juried, and of the 171 pieces submitted for the Michigan chapter of VSA Arts, 60 were selected, including both of my son’s works. And, one of the two was selected to represent Michigan in the international competition in Washington DC. That work was also accepted in DC, and at age seven, my son has one work touring Michigan and another touring the country.
I’m sorry to brag, but it is a wondrous thing for a boy who struggles so in all aspects of his life.
Ben’s work isn’t there, but I understand that the piece which became part of the DC tour will become a part of VSA’s gallery, so maybe it will show up after the tour is over. I’ll be checking frequently to see if it is there to post.
Don’t apologize for bragging. Unless someone has experienced this firsthand, it’s very difficult to comprehend how heartwrenching and frustrating autism can be.
My only sibling, a brother, is severely autistic, and I fully appreciate how otherwise minor achievements are actually major milestones when dealing with this affliction.
Although growing up together was not that much of a problem, I have found it very difficult now that I have children of my own. They would really like to have a relationship with their uncle, unfortunately it’s impossible.
I love children, and yet I know it would be difficult for me to raise an autistic child. Not that I could not or would not do so, but it would be frustrating for me at times. I know it would.
I am sure you handle the situation with more love, dignity and patience that I could possibly manage, and I daresay I’m surprisingly decent with children for a middle aged, single guy.
This is belated, but congratulations to you and your son for this achievement. As a mother of a mentally disabled child, I have learned that even these little accomplishments are the most important things to me and my child.
It looks like the stay in the Flint area is over, , unless Fremont is near you? If you can go, I recommend it. There are some really nice pieces, and a great deal of variety in media, subject, and tone. Notice that they got the exhibit to the big town of Eaton Rapids! Ben’s art teacher has big pull.
, unless Fremont is near you? If you can go, I recommend it. There are some really nice pieces, and a great deal of variety in media, subject, and tone. Notice that they got the exhibit to the big town of Eaton Rapids! Ben’s art teacher has big pull. 