Arts Adventures Autism Program 
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability resulting from a neurological condition that affects the functioning of the brain. General manifestations of autism in individuals can include: communication difficulties, delays or total lack of speech; impaired social interaction and the inability to understand or respond to common social cues; limited activities and interests; persistent repetitive patterns of behavior and strong resistance to a change in routine. As a result social situations are often difficult and even traumatic for a person with autism, yet social and interactive skills are exactly what they need in order to succeed in contemporary society. In 2009 it was estimated by the Center for Disease Control that the occurrence of autism may be as high as 1 in 110 individuals across the United States. New Mexico currently has few resources to assist families or individuals dealing with the issues and problems surrounding the diagnosis of autism.
The Arts Adventures Autism Program is an art-based respite program for youth with ASD and their families living in the greater Albuquerque area. Arts Adventures takes place at the VSA/North Fourth Art Center.
Arts Adventures has two goals:
• To provide an enriching learning experience for youth with autism that supports the development of social skills through creativity and play.
• To offer families a period of respite and the opportunity to conduct household business and participate in community and leisure time activities that would prove difficult while directly caring for an autistic child.
Arts Adventures is a one-of-a-kind program in the state of New Mexico and possible the country that uses a cross-disciplinary approach - visual art, movement, theater and dramatic play, field trips and other activities to provide an innovative and fun approach to working with children with ASD. Visual arts addresses issues of tactile defensiveness often found in people with autism; movement activities including dance and yoga address their proprioceptive and vestibular needs and theater helps develop and support communication and social skills. In addition Arts Adventures receives significant therapeutic support from the University of New Mexico’s Center for Development and Disability, which provides free training and clinical consultations to Arts Adventures on an ongoing basis.
Arts Adventures receives support from the New Mexico Department of Health, the Daniels Fund, the Albuquerque Community Foundation and VSA Inc.
For more information about Arts Adventures please call or email:
Deborah Brink
Arts Adventures Director
505-345-2872 ext 18 dbrink@vsartsnm.org
