Comments on: Shine a Light on Autism with Christine DeSavino Photography…

By: Janice Adelson

Janice Adelson — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 01:21:07 +0000

Christine, through your excellent site, you have shone a bright and hopeful light on a mysterious, frustrating, and growing problem. My niece Leslie, now 36, was finally diagnosed with autism at age 4 after having received multiple and conflicting diagnoses (and inappropriate “treatments”) beginning at 18 months of age. I credit my sister who, despite her own health problems, persisted in a search for answers that finally took her to Buffalo where she and Leslie found a community of care-givers who understood autism as well as could be expected that long ago. As a shy adult who straddles two very different worlds, Leslie is kind (at times overly candid — there’s that lack of guile), loves and cares for her dog, and takes pleasure in singing, playing the piano, and watching TV news programs. During her moments of retreat, I often wonder how she might have developed given today’s focus on autism. Thank you so much for all that you are doing to keep that focus sharp and steady.

By: Aunt Pat

Aunt Pat — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:29:49 +0000

This is a wonderful site, Christine! Everyone within the Austism spectrum is unique and special. As a librarian, I have found a number of books that show this to children. We discuss the books we read which enable those not familiar with autism to learn from those that do have personal connections. I am amazed at the musical ability of Paul Michael. How he has grown and developed has resulted from your mother’s love, patience, and determination. It’s easy to see how you are her daughter through this special awareness site and what you are doing.

By: Bea Boxley

Bea Boxley — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:34:55 +0000

I love how you and David find ways to honor these special stories. This celebration of autism reflects your integrity and the integrity of your work. Your photography comes from your heart, and in that precious instant you capture the heart of the one your are photographing.

By: David

David — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:09:32 +0000

The thing is, most people don’t want to acknowledge the potential for autism to arise within their own lives. But the chances are that it will. That’s why we all need to acknowledge and embrace it. Every voice counts. Thanks for doing this and please post the pics from the winner’s session–I bet they’ll be very special.

By: marlene Desavino

marlene Desavino — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:39:23 +0000

There is an inspiring aspect of autism. It is their lack of guile. Parenting my child for 40 years and watching him become more and more independent, without pretense and guile, has made me a better person. It is the realization that growth has occurred, despite the fact that his mind processes everything literally, because of his autism, and that it happened in our world, being subject to our daily interactions of wile. This challenges me. People would be more understanding if they knew this. For this reason your site is most significant because most of are just not aware.

By: Susan Pieples

Susan Pieples — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:51:39 +0000

Christine,

Your aunt shared this with me. My father, son and I all have Asperger’s Syndrome. I do a lot of advocating for families, and wanted you to know that I really appreciate what you are doing. Another really good place to send money is the Autism Society of America.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:50:55 +0000

thanks so much for posting this and raising awareness!

By: Sanna

Sanna — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:54:08 +0000

Christine,
What wonderful ways to help unlock the mysteries of autism. Thank you for raising our awareness through your beautifully, exquisite photography.
Sanna