[FireBird]

I am a success story with autism and schizoaffective disorder. I am a wildlife artist. My work has been published in magazines, books, and newspapers. I have even been on TV. The 3 books I have been published in are autism books. One of the art books I have been published in is a book in Poland. I have never been there, the person who wrote the book was at an autism conference and loved my art. I am also a pet portrait artist. I would do wildlife (or your favorite animal) as well. Right now I am doing 2 commissions and we will start really pushing my artwork. I was on the local news for being published in one of the newer autism books. The 2 magazines I have been in are Dog Fancy and Bird Talk. Besides art I also speak at autism conferences.

There is another reason why I am a success with autism. Long ago this would not be possible and I even wouldn't speak! It is because I got a dog named Lady who saved my life. It is because I used to when I was little watch Lady and the Tramp. Then I went into a pet store and saw a dog that I wanted. Of course, I named her Lady. Literally the next day I said my first sentence (before that it was just literally a few words at most). I talked more and more. Now I talk 24 hours a day! I made up for lost time. I was in newspapers for that as well. That besides my art was the reason why I was in Bird Talk and Dog Fancy. I also have a bird that helps me and I call him a therapy bird. His name is Tiny. I still have him but we don't have Lady anymore. Before Lady, my autism symptoms were moderate to severe. I had nearly every symptom of it and when I was diagnosed it was nearly impossible to get a diagnosis of autism. Now using the criteria I wouldn't get a diagnosis of autism but using the newer criteria I would but mildly. More like Asperger's now. As I get older however, I am regressing back into the more autistic behavior because of all the stress in my life. When I didn't have many of the symptoms I didn't have much stress. My mom's health was nearly perfect, I didn't have to worry about dad's retirement, and I didn't have to worry about finances. Now my mom is dying all the time, our finances aren't what they used to be, and dad is retiring whether we have the money or not. That part isn't a success story. All the famous stuff is. Getting far out of autism is part of the success. Even my dad is Asperger's and has an anxiety disorder. When he was in college, he had panic attacks. This is where I get the anxiety and autism from. It runs heavily on his side. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of 5 and am 28 now. Next month I will be an ancient 29. Old!

I hope that my pet/ animal commissions take off. Last year was the most active year with just 5 originals sold. I know that is more than some artists but I need to get it even more. This year I would like to double it. Right now as mentioned before I am doing 2 but this person might have a slight chance of doing a bigger $500 piece of marine life. I love dolphins and whales. When I was young that was also one of my obsessions. I still love them and they are among my favorite animals.

[pegasus]

(((( FireBird ))))

It is so good to hear that you are doing so well. I'm super duper chuffed for you! Many people with autism have a special talent and you have found yours! I wish you even more luck for the future, keep up the great work.

[Callista]

That's so cool! See, I get a lot of benefit from having cats, so I totally get that having a pet can be really helpful. Stress-free, word-free communication; emotional support; non-intimidating social interaction. What could be better?

Is your dog an assistance dog? If she were you could take her into public places to keep you steady and stop you from doing silly things like walking into the road without looking. But an emotional support animal is a great thing, too. That's what my cats are.

Half of autism management seems to be dealing with stress, doesn't it? I get where you're coming from there. Sometimes, I just burn out and I can't cope as well, and that's when it becomes much more obvious that I'm autistic. I've had to learn my limits--learn how much I'm capable of doing--learn how to ask for help. It shouldn't be a thing to be ashamed of, to have limitations. I just wish society were OK with it--it's like, either you "overcome autism" and become totally normal and everybody calls you inspirational; or else you're a pitiful thing that everybody has to pat on the head and feel sorry for. I mean, why can't I just be a regular person who happens to be autistic, right?

Ah, well... I guess things are changing, slowly.

Anyway, do you have a photo of your dog? She sounds like a lovely animal.

[lynn P.]

(((FireBird))) - thank you for sharing your inspiring story. I'm so impressed and happy for you. You're a very talented and capable person, taking the talent you have and making money. You get to work at what you love - this is an accomplishment we all wish to have.

[Dylanzmama]

Originally Posted by Callista

Half of autism management seems to be dealing with stress, doesn't it? I get where you're coming from there. Sometimes, I just burn out and I can't cope as well, and that's when it becomes much more obvious that I'm autistic. I've had to learn my limits--learn how much I'm capable of doing--learn how to ask for help. It shouldn't be a thing to be ashamed of, to have limitations. I just wish society were OK with it--it's like, either you "overcome autism" and become totally normal and everybody calls you inspirational; or else you're a pitiful thing that everybody has to pat on the head and feel sorry for. I mean, why can't I just be a regular person who happens to be autistic,

Thanks for this, Callista. My son's 4 and we try to treat him the way you want to be treated...thanks for the reminder!