Inspiring video on autistic adolescent, art exhibition of autistic artists, and vision of community for autistic individuals

Dear everyone:

Since the launch of "A Mother's Wish" campaign, I have been most appreciative of and grateful for the diverse responses and meetings I have had with dynamic individuals at different forums. Here is an update of "What's New" and "What's Been Happening":

1. "Speaking in Colors" (http://vimeo.com/user16240190/speakingincolors): I have created this video as part of "A Mother's Wish" campaign (awakeningminds.sg) to promote greater understanding of individuals with moderate to severe autism. Inspired by my homeschooling journey with Sebastien, my moderately autistic son, it seeks to confront stereotypical conceptions of autistic individuals with an open-hearted and open-minded perspective -- there is more to these special individuals than meets the eye. 

2. "Dignity of Risk: Realising the Potential of People with Autism (Moderate to Severe)" (http://awakeningminds.com.sg/DignityOfRisk/): This slideshow expands upon my vision of creating a community for youths and adults with moderate to severe autism in Singapore. Based on my experience of my homeschooling journey of Sebastien from age 9 to 16 (currently), as well as dialogues with others, I strongly believe that we can create a dynamic community that enables these special people to realise their potential through the creative use of our available resources and synergies.

3. Sebastien's Raw Art Series: Thanks to the generous support of a private buyer who wishes to remain anonymous, Sebastien has sold his first paintings! 

For those of you living in Singapore, who are interested to see some of Sebastien's paintings up close and personal, you can catch them at ARTISM — an exhibition featuring artists with autism, organised by The School of Arts Management at LASALLE College of the Arts.

Opening: 27 February 2013, 7pm 

Exhibition Dates: 28 February to 8 March 2013 

Venue: Institute of Contemporary Arts, Singapore (Project Space & Praxis Space) 
1 McNally Street
Basement 1, #B1-03
Singapore 187940

In addition, six paintings have also been placed on display at Coach Sandy Snakenberg's Aspiring Goals gym: 01-02 Lion Building C, 14 Arumugam Rd, Singapore (near MacPherson MRT, Exit B). If you are in the neighbourhood and can drop by to see the paintings, please also take the opportunity to check out Coach Sandy's organic and bohemian gym. In the coming months, I will share more about Coach Sandy, whom I consider to be an outstanding service provider for autistic individuals and others with special needs.

4. Making some noise about "A Mother's Wish": 

- I have given a free talk about the campaign and related issues at the "Diversability" forum hosted by Raffles Institution and received supportive feedback from the student participants.

- I have engaged in the SG Conversation session recently: it is heartening to learn that there are other Singaporeans who are also clamouring for a more humane and compassionate Singapore that takes into consideration the needs of the less fortunate among us.

To me, these dialogues with members of the public are also an important part of the campaign, as they need to understand that the plight of the autistic people should not be relegated to the niche universe of families and service providers; rather, the integration of autistic people is also the responsibility of society in general.

- I have also been speaking to service providers, identifying areas of synergies and forging connections, which is an essential part of my vision of a dynamic and cost-effective service delivery model that taps into the existing pool of available resources for autistic individuals and their families. I will also be putting out more information in the coming months and setting up brainstorming get-togethers for both families and service providers, if there is sufficient interest.

5. With the 30% contribution of the sales Seb's paintings, a handful of my picture books, along with contributions from some previous book sales, "A Mother's Wish" fund stands at: $508.56.

6. I am available to give free talks on "A Mother's Wish" and related issues about the integration of people with autism in our society in my endeavour to spread the word about this initiative. I am also open to other ideas and suggestions. Please write to me and let me know. In the meantime, please share this email with others.

Thank you all in advance...

Kah Ying