In the spring of 2004, Covenant Presbyterian Church piloted an eight-week program that served 17 children, ages 5-13, with autism. The children were instructed in martial arts, music therapy and visual arts. Each component was carefully designed to meet the unique needs of autistic children through an arts medium. There was a public performance at the end of the pilot program.

During the summer of 2004, Arts ‘n Autism offered a one-week summer camp that served 22 children. Covenant expanded enrollment to include children ages 2-15 and added a social skills class. Preschool children attended a morning program each day and the rest of the group stayed until 5:30. The afternoon group participated in community activities such as swimming, bowling, indoor soccer and movies.

First Presbyterian Church loaned us their bus for transportation, and community volunteers coached the children during indoor soccer. PARA allowed us to use their facility and staff.

Since that time, Arts ‘n Autism has continued to grow.  At present, it meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 5:30 and serves around 45 children with autism.

Arts ‘n Autism may be found on the Web here.