Dubai: Children of the Dubai Autism Centre recently showcased their art exhibition, ‘Art as an Expression of Autism', at the American University in Dubai and hosted an auction.
The exhibition and auction were aiming at increasing the level of awareness that benefit the children with autism and the remarkable thing is that some of the participating students were aware of having their artwork showcased in the exhibition.
Julia Townsend, Assistant Professor of Visual Communication at the Dubai Autism Centre, said "I have taught art to a range of levels and ages on three continents, but my experience with the children with autism is one of the most memorable.
"It was fantastic to see how art has individual meaning for them, and can help them with their coordination, focus, and overall abilities.
Special
"If you have never seen artworks made by children with autism, they are really special, ranging from abstract to city scenes with carefully drawn buildings.
"Some of the children have also been making small greeting cards with collage that will be for sale, and items from the Dubai Autism Centre such as T-shirts and bracelets are also available."
Arezu Karoobi, a recent graduate from American University in Dubai's Department of Visual Communication, has played a key role in the organisation of this event.
"What is being displayed is true, honest self expression of human beings in different ways brought on to paper," he said.
"The message is sharing love in society. As the children share their true feelings and emotions, we share our love with them, and so we create a better world by first accepting autism and then by helping them to be part of our society."
He added, "These are based on my conversation and observation with the children for the past few months: some of them have dreams to become heroes. They like Spider-Man and fire fighters. They like to drive fast, luxurious cars and they know what car and what colour they like.
Dream
"So receiving an early intervention is very crucial for children with autism, some might be able to go to regular school later and make their dreams come true."
Karoobi was working side by side with art therapist Michaela Arndt, who took part in a question and answer session on autism and the use of art therapy with autistic children.
The event also witnessed a live music and accompanied by food and a welcoming atmosphere with volunteers of students, while the auction of the artworks
April is autism awareness month in Dubai, with various publicity campaigns taking place, extensive talk shows, radio and press advertising.
Funds raised from this event go to Dubai Autism Centre.
