From autistic to artistic: An artist’s developmental pathwayudthrough the health and disability sector

摘要

This discussion paper describes the international career development of an emerging artist spanning France and the Antipodes.udThe research, carried out using participant observation and narrative methodologies, demonstrates how the artist’s passion was revealed via different engagement pathways in the visual arts with tangible outcomes. This involved the planning of novel, inspiring and accessible contexts for the artist to develop new social competencies.udAt the core of this intervention was the development of a network of formal and informal collaboration between international organisations.udMany people on the autistic spectrum, due to social challenges, may never experience achievement within their communities. Participatory arts, however, offer uniqueudprospects for contribution and recognition.ududThis research demonstrates how intersectorial collaborations have the potential to generate new authentic inclusion opportunities for clients in the Health and Disability sector with benefits spreading to the community at large. It demonstrates how a passion for the arts paved the way from disengagement to contribution.udThe paper details how unique interventions were planned, rolled out and evaluated for their impact. Examples with unique outcomes to the artist, family, therapists,udeducators and organisations involved are discussed. These benefits have also spread in unpredicted ways, i.e. the artist being recognised for leadership qualities andudbecoming a role model.