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. We are in the process of becoming a non-profit organization.