Dr. Doris D. Restrepo: A Look at Autism Through The Lenses of Diversity
Dr. Doris D. Restrepo is a leading expert in the field of diversity and autism. She has worked tirelessly to change the social perception of autism and to help those with the condition lead fulfilling lives. In this article, we'll take a look at the horizon of diversity with respect to autism and how the social view against autism is changing for the better.
Autism has been traditionally seen as a disease or condition that needed to be cured. However, over the years, this perception has changed drastically. Today, autism is seen as a condition that should be accepted and accommodated for. This shift in thinking is due in large part to the work of Dr. Doris D. Restrepo.
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Dr. Restrepo has worked tirelessly to change the social perception of autism. She has helped numerous individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives by working to create an accepting and accommodating society. One of her most notable achievements is helping to establish an inclusive education system in Colombia, where she is from. This system helps students with autism receive an education alongside their neurotypical peers.
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In addition to her work in her native Colombia, Dr. Restrepo has also worked internationally to promote understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals. She has given talks and workshops on the topic in countries such as China, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay.
The social view against autism is changing for the better thanks to the work of people like Dr. Doris D. Restrepo. Autism is now seen as a condition that should be accepted and accommodated for instead of a disease that needs to be cured. This change in thinking will help create a more inclusive society for all individuals, regardless of their neurological makeup. |
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THE AUTISTIC CREATIVE MIND
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"The Autistic Creative Mind" is a Global Family Support Foundation signature and registered project developed by Dr. Doris D Restrepo.
The autistic creative mind arises from the need to recognize diversity. This must lead to raising awareness in society regarding the needs of people with disabilities to the extent that we as a society manage to see not only the autism label but also recognize other qualities and open our eyes to what people can do to take important steps towards social inclusion. |
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Creativity, like any other ability, can be innate, but it can also be developed through the implementation of strategies. In the particular case of autism, some people have the privilege of possessing innate talents in different fields of knowledge.
The project aims to highlight the artistic abilities of children and young people diagnosed with autism, where they can develop their creative minds through the implementation of artistic strategies allowing them to succeed in that area. The following four steps can be used to develop creativity and talents in children with autism:
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1. Discover their interests: Parents, professionals, and caregivers should pay special attention to vested interests. With people who have autism, it often helps to encourage the person to follow personal inclinations, passions, and even narrow interests. By doing so, the individual can begin to build a skill set. For example, if the autistic child has a talent or passion for animals, it is advisable to plan family trips to a pet store, zoo, or aquarium or even adopt a pet so the child can have direct contact with their interest.
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2. Identify strengths: This is a very important step. Related activities should be gradually incorporated, enriching the observed talent.
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3. Persistence and patience: During this process, parents and caregivers may encounter a variety of behaviors that can affect the development of talents. Children must receive the necessary support through the permanent celebration of achievements or advances, however insignificant these may seem. They represent very meaningful changes.
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4. Opportunity to explore: Consider incorporating a variety of materials related to your children's particular interest or talent and encourage them to manipulate and incorporate them into their interest. This will open up the opportunity for you to use different techniques and thus expand their creativity and talents.
The project also aims to include medically diagnosed autistic kids and youngsters from all over the world, where they submit their handmade drawings online, developed by their creative imagination. Worldwide, children and adults under the spectrum show their creativity and talents by making freehand drawings in pencil. To register a child or adult for participation in the program, fill out the application below:
The Autistic Creative Mind Center
Our "Creative Minds" from Orlando, Florida.
