Summary: We have exciting news for our community! The submission deadline for our "Voices of the Spectrum" art showcase has been extended to April 3rd, giving parents and young artists a much-needed second chance to participate. Join us on April 11th at PAHMUSA in Springfield, MA, for a sensory-friendly celebration of creativity and neurodiversity.
Take a deep breath, parents. I know exactly how your week has been. Between the school meetings, the sensory meltdowns, and just trying to figure out what’s for dinner, sometimes the things we want to do get pushed to the back burner by the things we have to do.
I’ve heard from so many of you saying, “Charlene, my child really wants to submit their drawing, but we just haven’t had a quiet moment to finish it!” or “We missed the date, is it too late?”
Well, I have some news that I hope feels like a warm hug. We are giving you a Second Chance. We have officially extended the submission deadline for our "Voices of the Spectrum" Art Showcase to Friday, April 3rd!
At We Are Autism, we don’t just talk about flexibility; we live it. We know that for our kids on the spectrum, "on time" looks different for everyone. Sometimes we need a little extra grace, and that’s exactly what this extension is all about.
When we first planned this showcase, the goal was simple: to give our children a platform where they are seen, heard, and celebrated exactly as they are. But research into event planning shows that deadlines can sometimes be a barrier rather than a help, especially for families managing neurodiversity. We don’t want a calendar date to be the reason your child’s talent stays hidden in a sketchbook or under a bed.
This extension isn't just about a date on a calendar; it’s about making sure every child aged 3 to 18 has the opportunity to show the world how they see things. Whether your child paints, draws, builds with LEGO, or creates digital masterpieces, we want to see it.
Visual Description: A diverse group of children aged 3-18, some wearing noise-canceling headphones, happily engaged in various art activities like painting and sculpting.
While the submission deadline has moved to April 3rd, the big day is still fast approaching! Mark your calendars for our grand showcase:
PAHMUSA is a beautiful, culturally rich space, and we are so honored to host our event there. It’s a venue that understands the importance of history, community, and representation, values that sit at the very heart of everything we do here at We Are Autism.
We know that "big events" can be scary for our families. The bright lights, the loud crowds, the unpredictable noises, it can be a lot. That’s why we are making this a truly sensory-friendly experience.
We encourage our artists to bring their noise-canceling headphones if that helps them feel safe. We are working closely with the venue to ensure there are quiet zones and that the environment is supportive of all our needs. This isn’t a stuffy gallery where you have to whisper and stand still. This is a space for our community. If your child needs to stim, move, or take a break, they are in the right place.
If you’re worried about how your child will handle the transition to a new environment, I highly recommend checking out our Educational Articles or our Building Bridges video series, which offers practical tips for navigating community outings.
For many of our children who are non-verbal or have limited speech, art isn’t just a hobby, it’s a primary language. It’s how they tell us what they’re feeling when words won't come.
I think about the characters in our book series, like in Andre Sees Words Differently. Our books celebrate the unique ways our children process the world. Whether it’s Andre navigating his visual world or Aaliyah in Aaliyah Moves in Her Own Way, we want to mirror that same celebration in our art showcase.
When your child submits a piece of art, they are advocating for themselves. They are showing us their perspective. It’s a powerful form of self-expression that goes beyond what any traditional therapy can provide.
Visual Description: A close-up of an autistic teenager wearing headphones, focusing intently on a vibrant, colorful painting that expresses deep emotion.
Don't let the process overwhelm you. We’ve kept it simple because we know you already have enough on your plate.
If you hit a snag or have a question about whether a specific type of art is allowed, don't hesitate to Contact Us. We are here to help you get across the finish line.
At We Are Autism, we know that life continues after the art is hung and the event is over. Many of you are in that difficult "gap" where ABA services have ended, or perhaps you never had access to them in the first place. You might be feeling like you’re doing this all on your own.
You’re not.
From our Support Groups to our Webinars, we are building a village. If you’re looking for stories that reflect your child’s experience, please take a look at our collection of Products. Our books, like Marcus Good Boy and A Lesson in Kindness, are designed to provide comfort and understanding for both the child and the parent.
And remember, if you just need to talk to someone who "gets it," you can always Talk to Aunty Charlene. Sometimes, just being heard by someone who has walked the path is the best medicine. You can find out more about how to connect through our Members Q&A page.
Visual Description: A mother and her young son sitting together on a sofa, reading a book from the 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made' series, both looking peaceful and connected.
The clock is ticking, but this time, it's ticking in your favor. You have until April 3rd to get those submissions in.
Let’s fill PAHMUSA with the incredible, vibrant, and diverse voices of our children. Let’s show Springfield: and the world: what the spectrum really looks like. It’s bright, it’s bold, and it’s beautiful.
We can't wait to see what your amazing kids have created. See you on April 11th!
Quick Links Recap:
Visual Description: An inclusive group of parents and caregivers of different backgrounds talking and laughing at a community support event, representing the global autism community.
Final reminder: The deadline is April 3rd. The showcase is April 11th. We'll see you there!
Charlene Pinnock is a mother, author, and the Founder of We Are Autism. Inspired by her journey raising her son Marcus, she creates meaningful books and resources that help families better understand autism, manage everyday challenges, and feel supported every step of the way. Her mission is to remind parents that they are not alone and that every child deserves to be seen, understood, and celebrated.
.avif)
