Faces and Voices of Autism Photo Exhibition
Presented by May Institute and the National
Autism Center in collaboration with Andrew
Child Photography
About the Exhibition
Overview
Exhibition Schedule
Photographer's Statement
Gallery
About May Institute and the National Autism Center
Overview
With no known cause or cure, autism poses a unique and urgent challenge. The
need for research, advocacy, and treatment has never been more critical and
the number of children diagnosed has never been so high.
These children face numerous challenges as they navigate the complex world of
autism. It shapes the way they view their world, and it often shapes the way
the world views them. In their journeys through childhood and into adulthood,
children with autism teach us powerful lessons about hope, progress, and determination.
For the past several years, May Institute has worked with professional photographer
Andrew Child to compile a photographic library of students who attend the Institute’s
special schools. The resulting work is a series of environmental portraits that
opens a window into the life of these children that is ordinarily closed to
the general public.The images provide a powerful tool to raise awareness about
autism.
We are pleased to announce an exhibition, entitled Faces and Voices of Autism,
which will be presented by May Institute and the National Autism Center, in
collaboration with Andrew Child Photography.
This photo exhibition provides a unique opportunity to educate people about
autism and move them in a deeper and more meaningful way than facts and statistics
alone.
Faces and Voices of Autism features individual photographs of children,
each accompanied by a short story, or “voice,” from the perspective
of a person in that child’s life. These stories do not focus specifically
on the child’s diagnosis, but rather on what makes him or her special.
We are honored to be afforded glimpses into the world of each of these children.
There is tremendous hope in each of these stories, and for the children and
families highlighted in this exhibition.
Facts about autism
Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first
three years of life. It is a neurological disorder that affects the development
of the brain, causing difficulty with communication, learning, and social interaction.
Autism:
• occurs in one in every 150 births
• is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined
• occurs in all races, ethnicities, and social groups
• is called a “national public health crisis” by the CDC
• has no known cause or cure
Effective treatments are available now. Early intervention services are critical
to a child’s long-term success.
Contact Information
Media inquiries, venue requests, and other questions regarding this exhibition
should be directed to:
Tyson Smith-Ray
May Institute
TSmith-Ray@mayinstitute.org
(781) 437-1269
Portions © 2007 May Institute
Portions © 2004-2007 Andrew Child Photography
