Exhibition C
Education

An art experience referencing,
an artistic approach to educate about autism.

^ Made for the teacher

About the educational experience of autistics

- 4 art pieces

- Made by 4 different artistic educators

- 1 hour estimated visit for this space

- Topic: Educational Experience

- The works are artistic ways of educating people about what autism is and feels like

- Some works refer to intense experience or topic

- The collection aims to share truthful stories

-- The collection is not censored

- Support services available

- Simple routing (see map ------------------------------>)

- Decompressing room (see map -------------------->)

<--- Read details at 'About Exhibit C...'

- More information about the artworks below

What to expect

Educational Experience (the art-pieces)

Map of exhibit C - Education

A different sort of Normal
Book written and illustrated by Abigail Balfe

You belong here
by Irene from The Thougt Spot

Comic on social situation
by Rebecca Burgess

A kind of Spark is the first book that Elle McNicoll has written. As an autistic writer herself she writes empowering stories with neurodivergent characters who are often very articulate and knowledgable about their condition.

This way the characters can advocate for themselves and explore their world in their unique neurodivergent way.

In A kind of Spark we read about 11 year old Addie, who is in primary school. Addie is autistic and learns about the witchtrials in her area. She finds this history deeply touching and decides to read more on it....

A different sort of normal takes you on a journey to explore what autism is. Mostly in the personal story of Abigail Balfe herself. The book is filled with infographics and illustrations suited with the topics and information.

It is an empowering book of selfacceptance and learning about your own neurodivergency and what it means to you.

The book is written for children but goes into depth on what autism is, how it presents and what it is like to grow up autistic.

Irene is the creator of the youtube channel The Thought Spot. On the channel she explores what neurodivergency is. As an Autistic and ADHD'er herself she explains and analyses her own experiences, observations and shares tips, knowledge and other useful information for neurodivergent people and their allistic loved ones.

In You Belong Here she empowers neurodivergent people to show who they are, to be here and themselves.

With a spokenword text and selfmade animation, it becomes a beutiful whole story to touch our neurodivergent hearts.

In this comic there is a social situation shown where a neurotypical and an autistic individual have an interaction. Here it becomes visible how two different people may experience a social situation differently due to how their brains are wired.

Rebecca Burgess writes and draws a lot of comics with this theme, to educate people about autism. And to create more understanding and inclusivity for autistic people and children.

She also makes children's book illustrations and writes blogs.

For more information, click the sources below:

For more information, click the sources below:

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Entrance via hall through curtaindoorway into exhibition space C - Education

C1 - One big poster of the bookcover 'A Kind Of Spark' by Elle McNicoll
Next to it a bookstand with 'A Kind of Spark' and 'Show Us Who You Are' to read on the beanbags

C2 - One big poster of the bookcover 'A Different Sort of Normal' by Abigail Balfe
Next to it a bookstand with 'A Different Sort Of Normal' to read on the beanbags

C3 - TV screen with video 'You Belong Here' by Irene
Watch and listen on the poufs with headphones

C4 - One big poster of the comic 'Meet my friends'
Next to it a stand with more comics to read from Rebecca Burgess

The middle exists of beanbags on a soft rug,
from here you can look at the artpieces, read the books and comics and make yourself comfortable.

Exit the space into the decompression space in the lower right corner,
here you can relax on beanbags, adjust the lights to your preference
and take some sensory rest before going into exit hall to leave the exhibition.

In current times a lot of autistic adults are using their artistic abilities to educate others about autism. They use social media platforms like blogs, Instagram, Tumblr. And a large number of books and illustrative novels are being published by and for autistic people.

Many autistics write comics or make illustrations about their daily experiences. To show and educate people about what it is like to live with autism. They often share tips and information on how our brains can work, what needs we have and for selfcare. To better our own understanding of our condition, to help ourselves and others.

This way space is created for the autistic population to share stories, be more accepted and get the help and support to live a more autism-friendly life.

In this last exhibit a selection of educational art about autism is presented, but feel free to explore inside the world of autism and autistic creators... Enjoy

'A Kind Of Spark'
Book written by Elle McNicoll

Cover Art by Kay Wilson