Autism and how creativity and the Arts go hand in hand.


Autism and how creativity and the Arts go hand in hand.

Autism is a complicated neurological condition that affects about 1% of individuals, which amounts to about 75 million people around the world.
Globally 1 in every 100 people are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD). There is approximately about 200,000 people in Australia with autism which has increased by 25% since 2015.


But autism is still fairly new to alot of people and I believe due to this lack of awareness and support around autistic people, their average lifespan of 55 years old for an individual with autism is much lower than the average life span of a person that doesn’t have it. 



This is contributed to a lot of things and something I believe needs to be addressed and have more awareness raised about it, because we need to remind ourselves that knowledge uncovers a great power from within.



The 4 major areas we need to be more aware of in order to raise the life expectancy of individuals with autism and below is 1 of the following within this article (I will go further into the remaining 3 in another article)

-

1. Accidents - sensory issues in people with autism can increase the risk of having an accident, such as drowning in autistic children which is the leading cause of premature death. 
Autistic people are 3 times more likely to die from an injury than the general population.


Executive function relates to cognitive function, cognitive function helps us to process and understand information, for eg: thinking, remembering, problem-solving, decision-making and learning new things.



This function is performed by the prefrontal lobe cortex which is located just behind the forehead in the brain, its like the control centre that manages your thinking and behaviour. Its function is to help you make decisions, plan and control emotions. The prefrontal lobe cortex plays a major role in the 12 executive functioning skills which researchers believe are a major part of Executive Dysfunction in people with Autism.


Below is a full list of these functions.



What are the 12 executive functioning skills ? -


1. self-restraint,
2. working memory,
3. emotion control,
4. focus,
5. task initiation,
6. planning/prioritisation,
7. organisation,
8. time management,
9. defining and achieving goals,
10. flexibility,
11. observation, and
12. stress tolerance.


Not all people with autism experience all 12 executive dysfunctions.
But it doesn’t have to be this way when we can use creativity and a visual system to assist people with autism with their daily tasks. Such as writing a “to do” list. The most important thing is to keep learning in order to improve neurodevelopment.



 

5 ways that you can exercise at home Your Prefrontal Lobe Cortex for children and adults with Autism that involves art, creativity, your emotions, movement and personal development.



Routine is an important skill to have in order to overcomes issues at home, school or the workplace. Its helps you to pick up any behaviours or issues that arise outside of the norm in autistic people because your able to know when they get outside of their usual routine, this can tell you when something is the matter. 
Use some of the routines below as inspiration to form some of your own at home, school or work.




1. Optimism is associated with raising dopamine levels which has a positive and engaging effect on the brain - 



Create a possible future scenario that you can achieve and begin to write out some baby steps in your Dreamtime Journal how you could reach your destination, goal or dream.
When dopamine levels are low it can effect your mental and psychical health. 
Because dopamine levels are linked to the reward system it plays an important role in many bodily functions listed above in the 12 executive functioning skills.
Optimism can be a bit like a muscle that needs developing over time and if described as an emotion is feels a lot like hope. Research has shown us that being optimistic can help us to have better psychical and mental health and can even help us to live longer, like up to the age of 90 years of age.



What can optimism do?


1. Optimism can help you make better choices and decisions that are good for your health.


2. Optimism can help you to cope better with stress.



3. Optimism can help you to have better relationships with people.



4. Optimism can change the body in positive ways.

2. Follow a strict sleep pattern that contributes to your overall health and well-being.



Numbers, Patterns and visual pictures are usually great reminders to help us to remember and play an important role in the exercise of our memory.
What may help most people to relax will not usually help people with autism. So something which could be of benefit is to restrict your screen time on the phone, computer or TV 1 hour before you go to bed so that your mind can begin to wind down and replace that with 1 of the following below -



1. Read your favourite book before bedtime, it doesn’t have to be a reading book it could also be your favourite picture book. 



2. Listen to some quiet music with your headphones so that you can begin to let your body know that its almost bedtime and time to relax and calm yourself down.



3. You could use the 1 hour before bedtime to have a nice warm shower and think of some good thoughts in the shower so that you can have a feel good bedtime.



4. Do some meditation or mindfulness such as writing in your Dreamtime journal about your day in order to off-load anything that is on your mind or that maybe troubling or worrying you. Later you can come back to it and think of some solutions which could benefit your optimism and stress levels.

3. Deny any drama and avoid getting caught up in gossip.


The amygdala may be a small part of the brain but it plays a major part in processing emotions. It’s also linked to other important parts of the brain such as memory, learning and your senses.
 When we get caught up in drama it can fire up the amygdala part of the brain which in turn will get our prefrontal cortex off its game and we certainly don’t want that to happen because the prefrontal cortex is responsible for the 12 executive functioning skills which can cause dysfunction in people with Autism.


So something that could be of benefit to you is to do one of the following -



1. Hang out with friends that bring you positivity, even if they are unpopular or disliked by others. They will not cause you any hate, stress or unnecessary worry.



2. Take your time getting to know people before you fully trust them. If they are causing you to question things about yourself or they are upsetting you in anyway, then keep a safe distance in order to protect yourself and make sure you take care of yourself first. Trusting people can take time so be patient with yourself whilst you explore relationships that are outside of your usual family or friend circle.




4. Movement is important for a positive body response.


Move your body with Art and Creativity. Dancing is also great in-between doing your Art. 
If you find exercise to be boring, why not change it up a bit by being creative. Try one of the following below in order to create movement in your routine so that you can manage your autism easier and you will feel better in no time.
 If Art is your passion then there is a number of ways that you begin to bring creativity more to your everyday such as -



1. Practice sketching in your journal some ideas that can help you to grow and be more productive and creative. Plus you can begin to sketch out your new masterpiece whilst your there. Try sketching outside where you can play with the different light perspectives. What will it look like, what do you want to create that you’ve been putting off for so long?



2. Get your favourite colouring book by Mirree and begin to colouring your favourite animal. Once completed think about that animal and how it can help you to get closer to your goals and dreams and begin to write that down - What does it mean to you and what does it symbolism for you in your life right now. Then frame it and put it somewhere important so you can look at it to everyday to remind yourself of those dreams and goals of yours. 
(Or it could be part of your optimistic exercise from No: 1 and make it more powerful)



3. Begin a new painting from the sketch you did from No:1. 
Don’t let your mind get in the way and keep positive about your experience. What paints will you use? Watercolour, Acrylics, Gouache or oil paints? Or maybe you would like to continue in your sketchbook and use some coloured pencils or coloured markers to complete your masterpiece inside your sketchbook. Keep going, your can do it!



5. Practicing Gratitude exercises can increase positive emotions.


Practicing Gratitude such as saying thank you to someone can create a positive response not only for yourself but for the person you are saying it to plus it activates the prefrontal cortex. 
Another way that you can practice this exercise is by writing in your Dreamtime Journal half an hour before bedtime (just like in No: 2) or half an hour after you get up in the morning. You can begin to create a small positive habit by doing this on a routine basis to cultivate the positivity in your life for a feel good lifestyle that contributes to your overall health and longevity as a healthy autistic person and for anyone wanting a better way of life for themselves.

Check out some of our most popular products!

-6% sale
Book Set - 2 Books 'Flower Medicine Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK and POCKET BOOK SET by Mirree Contemporary Dreamtime Animal Series Book Set - 2 Books 'Flower Medicine Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK and POCKET BOOK SET by Mirree Contemporary Dreamtime Animal Series
Book Set - 2 Books 'Flower Medicine Colouring... £18.00 £19.00
Available Now, Buy Now to receive your FREE Story Postcard! Choose your 1 FREE Animal Dreaming Postcard per Colouring Book from below (worth $34.95), and place your chosen Animal in the comment box upon check-out! Receive a bonus 3 Templates, check out the animals in the book below, never been seen before animals, only in the "Flower Medicine Colouring Book" : Snowy Owl Willie Wag Tail Dolphin with Turtle Emu Horse Possum and Baby Copperwing Butterfly Humpback Whale with Seahorse Koala and Baby Kookaburra Dingo Swamp Wallaby Zebra Finch Budgerigars Lilly Pad with Dragonfly Lady Beetle with Butterfly Surprise BONUS Template Surprise BONUS Template Surprise BONUS Template Buy now your "Flower Medicine Colouring Book"  & "Flower Medicine Pocket Book" and receive free story postcard of your choice! The Flower Medicine Books will contain research that Mirree has done over the years about these Flower Medicine Plants, 5% from every "Flower Medicine" Book will be donated to research about the Flowers.  
Book Set - 2 Books 'Animal Totem Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK and POCKET BOOK SET by Mirree Contemporary Dreamtime Animal Series Book Set - 2 Books 'Animal Totem Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK and POCKET BOOK SET by Mirree Contemporary Dreamtime Animal Series
Book Set - 2 Books 'Animal Totem Colouring... £18.00
We only have limited copies now, get your copy of the 'ANIMAL TOTEM Colouring Book' before we sell out !The Dreamtime Book Sets all are sold out as well! Choose your 1 FREE Animal Dreaming Postcard per Colouring Book from below, and place your chosen Animal in the comment box upon check-out!Take a look inside the A4 Colouring Book! 👆👆👆Take a look inside the A5 Story Book!  👆👆👆 Receive a bonus 2 Templates, check out the animals in the book below, never been seen before animals, only in the "Animal Totems Colouring Book" : Magpie Copperwing Butterfly Gecko Goanna Possum SeaDragon White-Faced Heron Humpback Whale Dolphin Pink Galah Bilby Dingo Ancestral Sky Emu Crimson Rosella Kookaburra Wombat Kangaroo Turtle Eagle Barramundi Koala Echidna Crocodile Bogong Moth Bee  Platypus Brolga Black Swan BONUS Template White Cockatoo BONUS Template This listing is for the "Animal Totem Colouring Book"  & "Animal  Totem Pocket Book" Saving you $2.00 when you buy them together! 5% from every book sale will be donated to Aboriginal Communities and Children in need.    AVAILABLE NOW! 
2 Books 'Dreamtime Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK and COMPANION BOOK by Mirree Contemporary Dreamtime Animal Series 2 Books 'Dreamtime Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK and COMPANION BOOK by Mirree Contemporary Dreamtime Animal Series
2 Books 'Dreamtime Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK and... £19.00
The 'Dreamtime Colouring Book' is currently our No: 1 Best Selling Product! *NEW UPDATED* VERSION COMING SOON! Choose your 1 FREE Animal Dreaming Postcard per Colouring Book from below, and place your chosen Animal in the comment box upon check-out!This listing is for the "Dreamtime Colouring Book"  & "Dreamtime Companion Book" Save $4.00 when you by them together !If you already have the Colouring Book then you must have the pocket size Colour Companion Book, buy separately! click here: ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE AND WE ONLY HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT TO BEGIN WITH.ALL THE TEMPLATES IN THE BOOK! Inside the Companion BookPlease Note: If you are having any problems purchasing online, please do not hesitate to send me an email at : mirree@dreamsofcreation.com with all your details such as name, address, email and your order and I will put the order through manually for you. I have a number of customers that prefer it this way and is more convenient for them.A4 Ring Bound Colouring Book, you can tear out your most cherished and meaningful piece, frame it and hang it in your favourite room... If you've already loved Mirree's animal dreamings, well now they will be carefully comprised into this "Colouring Dreamtime Book" especially for adults, beginners and kids alike. Everything in the book, from the picture to the written text, the cover, back, even down to the production of it, under Mirree's direction has been created by Contemporary Aboriginal Artist.  Order direct from the Aboriginal Artist that created it, contact Mirree personally via her Facebook page at: Artworks by Mirree if you have any troubles putting your order through 30 Animal Dreaming Templates plus in the Colouring Book In the Companion Book which you will receive also, includes spiritual stories, reference points, fun facts, colouring tips and much more Spiritual Animal meanings to help you along your journey Each page is printed single sided with template on one side and the spiritual meaning on the other side to inspire you Completely hand-crafted, designed & created by Contemporary Aboriginal Artist Mirree from her 1 meter Original Animal Dreaming Paintings which have been in the making since 2011 A4 Landscape in Size and Ring Bound so your templates sit completely straight on the page Mirree has won "Teacher of the Year" Award for her work in the past for making students feel that sense of belonging through Art (see Certificate) On one side will be the animal image to colour in and on the other side will be the inner meaning that goes with the animal and how it relates to you in your life, so you can delve into each animal to choose which one resonates with you the best. Alot of the time my customers get over-whelmed because there is so many animals to choose from and they want to have one for there very own to purchase, in this colouring book you can get up close and personal with all of the animals and begin to understand which one resonates with you the most.There maybe 1 you want to mainly work with and concentrate on or there maybe a few of them. It's like having your very own personal animal guiding you on your journey. You will receive: 1 A4 Size Dreamtime Colouring Book by Mirree &1 A6 Size Dreamtime Companion Book DONT BE FOOLED BY IMITATION DREAMTIME COLOURING BOOKS, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN DIRECTLY CREATED FROM AN ABORIGINAL ARTIST LIKE THIS ONE HAS.What makes this book so unique is that it has been designed, created and written by Aboriginal Artist: Mirree & the book will not be made available to the shops, it can only be purchased here online or from Mirree personally via her Facebook page at: Artworks by MirreeThere is more books to come soon... Pictures & Stories © by Mirree This book is a tribute to my Dad who has stood by my side since the beginning of my journey of self discovery and healing through Art, it was never an easy time back then, but one that has continued to enrich my life everyday since. Besides great things are never meant to be easy, otherwise everyone would be doing it! Below is a newspaper clipping from my very 1st Cultural Art award I won, we both won awards that year. He gives me the strength to grow, inspiring me to continue my life's passion, against any odds. Mirree is a Contemporary Aboriginal Artist from Wiradjuri country in NSW Australia. She won the "Teacher of the Year" award in 2009 for her work teaching at the Canberra Institute of Technology at the Aboriginal Centre teaching cultural Art to students from the ages of 15-55, making the students feel that sense of belonging through their Art. She has been painting since a teenager; she wishes to share her gift of painting & story telling to the world. Purchase Mirree’s Art here: www.dreamsofcreation.com OR follow her on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbymirree     Buy the matching Dreamtime Oracle Card Deck here Due for release in February 2017!  
LIMITED EDITION 'Dreamtime Oracle Deck' ORACLE DECK by Mirree Contemporary Dreamtime Animal Series
LIMITED EDITION 'Dreamtime Oracle Deck' ORACLE DECK by... £42.00
DELIVERIES ARE CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE ! Who is the “Dreamtime” Deck for: -Adults -Art Lovers -Highly Spiritual and Sensitive People -Psychic and Spiritual Readers -Those who already have the Dreamtime Colouring Book Set -Someone looking for answers -To learn more about Aboriginal Culture -Teachers  Please Note: If you are having any problems purchasing online, please do not hesitate to send me an email here : CLICK HERE with all your details such as name, address, email and your order and I will put the order through manually for you. I have a number of customers that prefer it this way and is more convenient for them. You will receive - 36 Dreamtime Cards on 300gsm Glossy Card with Gold Foil edges Brand new look with Brand new Animals Fully Updated 100 page Physical Guidebook & Instructions  2 Part Box to protect your Cards & Booklet  Receive insight on topics related to Relationships, Career, Cycles of Life, Transformation and much more! After the successful launch of her best-selling "Dreamtime Colouring Book" Mirree knew that some people still felt a division and isolation in relation to culture. In this Companion Guidebook to the Dreamtime Oracle Cards for Spiritual Guidance Mirree helps you to delve deeper into the heart & soul of the land and its animals so you can feel that sense of belonging to culture again. This reconnection provides you with the hidden messages and signs that make up your own Dreaming so that you can learn to develop and understand your own spirituality for the sensitive soul. RECEIVE YOUR: 36 beautiful Glossy Cards with gold-gilded edges which is an application of gold foil on the edges of the Cards 100 Page Guidebook and 2-part Box to protect them in Available only online, direct from Mirree the Artist   Each animal depicted in “The Oracle Deck of the Dreamtime” offers a solution to certain problems in life.  At times, as we make our everyday journey through life, we need spiritual guidance and support to understand which direction to turn or which path to take. Each card contains a powerful visual message which, through contemplation, will help the viewer to reach a solution to a problem or the answer to a question relevant to their life journey.  If you've got "The Colouring Book of the Dreamtime" then you've got to get "The Oracle Deck of the Dreamtime"... The Colouring Book of the Dreamtime has formed the foundation to the Oracle Card Deck. If you've already got the Colouring Book then you now prepared for what's to come in this unique Card Deck. ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE AND WE ONLY HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT TO BEGIN WITH.NOW AVAILABLE!  You will receive - 36 Dreamtime Cards on 300gsm Glossy Card with Gold Foil edges Brand new look with Brand new Animals Fully Updated 100 page Physical Guidebook & Instructions 2 Part Box to protect your Cards & Booklet  Mirree believes that when we contemplate certain images it triggers natural responses that are more in line with our greatest potential or higher self. The Rainbow Serpent, and other animals in this oracle card deck carry messages which are designed to bring us closer to our inner self, our natural culture and to the ways of the land from the Dreamtime; when we lived as one, in balance with nature and its powerful force. Please Note: If you are having any problems purchasing online, please do not hesitate to send me an email here : CLICK HERE with all your details such as name, address, email and your order and I will put the order through manually for you. I have a number of customers that prefer it this way and is more convenient for them.If you've already loved Mirree's ART, well now they will be carefully comprised into this "Oracle Dreamtime Deck" especially for adults, beginners and kids alike.What makes this card deck so unique is that it has been designed, created and written by Aboriginal Artist: Mirree & the card deck will not be made available to the shops, it can only be purchased here online or from Mirree personally via her Facebook page at: Artworks by Mirree   Mirree is a Contemporary Aboriginal Artist from Wiradjuri country in NSW Australia. She won the "Teacher of the Year" award in 2009 for her work teaching at the Canberra Institute of Technology at the Aboriginal Centre teaching cultural Art to students from the ages of 15-55, making the students feel that sense of belonging through their Art. She has been painting since a teenager; she wishes to share her gift of painting & story telling to the world. Purchase Mirree’s Art here: www.dreamsofcreation.com OR follow her on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbymirree   Buy the matching Dreamtime Colouring Book here      
'Dreamtime Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK by Mirree Contemporary Dreamtime Animal Series 'Dreamtime Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK by Mirree Contemporary Dreamtime Animal Series
'Dreamtime Colouring Book' COLOURING BOOK by Mirree Contemporary... £11.00
The 'Dreamtime Colouring Book' is currently our No: 1 Best Selling Product!NOW BACK IN STOCK! Choose your 1 FREE Animal Dreaming Postcard per Colouring Book from below, and place your chosen Animal in the comment box upon check-out! ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE AND WE ONLY HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT TO BEGIN WITH.ALL THE TEMPLATES IN THE BOOK! Dingo Animal DreamingBONUS #1 TEMPLATE: IN THE BEGINNING OF TIME...Please Note: If you are having any problems purchasing online, please do not hesitate to send me an email at : mirree@dreamsofcreation.com with all your details such as name, address, email and your order and I will put the order through manually for you. I have a number of customers that prefer it this way and is more convenient for them.A4 Ring Bound Colouring Book, you can tear out your most cherished and meaningful piece, frame it and hang it in your favourite room... If you've already loved Mirree's animal dreamings, well now they will be carefully comprised into this "Colouring Dreamtime Book" especially for adults, beginners and kids alike. Everything in the book, from the picture to the written text, the cover, back, even down to the production of it, under Mirree's direction has been created by Contemporary Aboriginal Artist.  Order direct from the Aboriginal Artist that created it, contact Mirree personally via her Facebook page at: Artworks by Mirree if you have any troubles putting your order through 22 Animal Dreaming Templates plus an extra 6 Ancestral Animal Dreaming Templates And a bonus 2 templates Spiritual Animal meanings to help you along your journey Each page is printed double sided with template zoomed in on one side and the spiritual meaning on the other side to inspire you Completely hand-crafted, designed & created by Contemporary Aboriginal Artist Mirree from her 1 meter Original Animal Dreaming Paintings which have been in the making since 2011 A4 Landscape in Size and Ring Bound so your templates sit completely straight on the page Mirree has won "Teacher of the Year" Award for her work in the past for making her students feel that sense of belonging through Art (see Certificate) On one side will be the animal image to colour in and on the other side will be the inner meaning that goes with the animal and how it relates to you in your life, so you can delve into each animal to choose which one resonates with you the best. Alot of the time my customers get over-whelmed because there is so many animals to choose from and they want to have one for there very own to purchase, in this colouring book you can get up close and personal with all of the animals and begin to understand which one resonates with you the most.There maybe 1 you want to mainly work with and concentrate on or there maybe a few of them. It's like having your very own personal animal guiding you on your journey. You will receive 1 Ring Bound Dreamtime Colouring Book by Mirree & 1 FREE Animal Dreaming Colour Postcard of your choice. DONT BE FOOLED BY IMITATION DREAMTIME COLOURING BOOKS, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN DIRECTLY CREATED FROM AN ABORIGINAL ARTIST LIKE THIS ONE HAS.What makes this book so unique is that it has been designed, created and written by Aboriginal Artist: Mirree & the book will not be made available in shops, it can only be purchased here online or from Mirree personally via her Facebook page at: Artworks by MirreeThere is more Books to come soon... Pictures & Stories © by Mirree This book is a tribute to my Dad who has stood by my side since the beginning of my journey of self discovery and healing through Art, it was never an easy time back then, but one that has continued to enrich my life everyday since. Besides great things are never meant to be easy, otherwise everyone would be doing it! Below is a newspaper clipping from my very 1st Cultural Art award I won, we both won awards that year. He gives me the strength to grow, inspiring me to continue my life's passion, against any odds. Mirree is a Contemporary Aboriginal Artist from Wiradjuri country in NSW Australia. She won the "Teacher of the Year" award in 2009 for her work teaching at the Canberra Institute of Technology at the Aboriginal Centre teaching cultural Art to students from the ages of 15-55, making the students feel that sense of belonging through their Art. She has been painting since a teenager; she wishes to share her gift of painting & story telling to the world. Purchase Mirree’s Art here: www.dreamsofcreation.com OR follow her on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbymirree     Buy the matching Dreamtime Oracle Card Deck here Due for release in February 2017 !
American Express Apple Pay Google Pay Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Union Pay Visa Afterpay