Autistry Studios grew out of Janet Lawson’s private psychotherapy practice in Mill Valley, California where she worked with many teen and young adult clients with social/communication challenges. Janet realized that in order to help them with executive functioning and social skills issues she needed to be present when the obstacles occurred – telling her about it days after the event just wasn’t working! She began with a small group for girls, Girls Who Love Anime. The group met weekly and began making plushies (stuffed creatures) based on their drawings and clothing of their own design. It was very successful.

In September 2008, Janet’s husband Dan Swearingen, an astrophysicist/software designer and avid model builder (as well as an Aspie!) joined her and together they began offering model building classes. Soon afterward Nate Yates joined them to lead filmmaking workshops. Jen Hirt quickly followed bringing her talents as an artist working in clay, fabric and stained glass. Together this team can build anything!

The parents and families of the students have been very supportive of the Autistry Studios programs. They have encouraged us to continue the workshops, to grow the programs and to make our work available to more young people.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Future

The response to the Autistry Studios program has been resoundingly positive. Almost all of the initial workshop students have remained in the program and continue to create new projects. And, we have a long list of applicants on the waiting list. There has also been tremendous interest from potential workshop instructors who are skilled in areas ranging from sewing to graphic design. And we have been approached by several therapists, counselors and communication coaches who are very interested in being part of this program.

To ensure the continued success of the program it is essential that the instructors and the counselors have a full understanding of the Autistry Studios core values and know how to work with our target population – young adults with social, communication and learning difficulties. We are instigating a hands-on training program that will provide new instructors and new counselors with experience. Each potential instructor and counselor will work first as an assistant in a workshop to gain a deeper understanding of the communication and social challenges our students face and the strategies that work best to help them overcome those challenges. After successfully finishing a tour as an assistant they can be considered for class leadership positions.

We are also designing a parent training and support program and a sibling program to assist the whole family.

Future programs for Autistry Studios include internship/apprenticeship programs. These important job preparation opportunities will be done in partnership with community businesses and organizations.

We envision the creation of entrepreneurial endeavors that will give our Autistry Studios members the opportunity to work on real world projects. These projects may include commissioned pieces such as architectural models, costumes, filmed public service announcements, etc.