Started on Saturday November 26 at The TOM, works from this year's The Blueprint Project will be on display in our Community Engagement Space.

Grey-Bruce Chapter of Autism Ontario and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery have continued their successful partnership this past year with the Blueprint Project. Blueprint Project sessions ran at The TOM during the spring, summer and fall, and were designed for children, ages 5 – 15, who are on the Autism Spectrum. The program is free for families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Grey & Bruce Counties.

Instructor Monica Matei describes the program: "One of the key concepts of the Blueprint Project is to promote success by focusing on what kids can do, rather than on what they can't do. Areas of difficulty should be supported, but they should not be the main focus. Changing the focus from disability to ability, and promoting that success in turn, fosters good self-esteem and self-efficacy." The Blueprint Project offers a unique opportunity for children with ASD to be less literal and concrete in self-expression, and it offers a non-threatening way to deal with processing emotions. The concrete, visual characteristics of art help the children to relax and enjoy themselves while they are learning social skills in a controlled environment.

Autism Ontario is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. The association and its chapters share common goals of providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services for the autism community.

Autism is a neurological disorder that effects the functioning of the brain. According to the National Epidemiologic Database for the Study of Autism in Canada, the Canadian prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder is 1 in 94. The CDC based in the US estimates 1 in 64. In Ontario alone, there is an estimated 199,000+ individuals with ASD and perhaps most importantly, there are over 2,750 people with Autism in the Grey Bruce Region.

For more information about the Blueprint Project taking place at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, to register or to find out more about Autism or the Grey Bruce Chapter of Autism Ontario, please visit their website: http://www.autismontario.com/client/aso/ao.nsf/GreyBruce/GreyBruceHome

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery's inclusive community programming is made possible with the support of our Specialized Community Engagement Sponsors Sun Life Financial – Owen Sound. For more information about programs and events at the TOM, please visit our website: .