Celebrating Autism Acceptance
Apr 04, 2025
In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, People Inc.'s Katie Radecki, program director and Todd Lesmeister, teaching artist, were guests on News 4 WIVB Buffalo's Daytime Buffalo on April 3, 2025. Along with host Chelsea Lovell, they discussed the intersection of arts and autism and how People Inc.'s new ArtsWork program is enhancing creativity and empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
You can watch the segment here.
An important aspect of Autism Acceptance Month is a focus on learning how to communicate and understand people. Katie pointed out that there is no "one" profile for people on the autism spectrum and that the experience is different for each person. Therefore, the services that are provided are individualized. Todd shared how the artistic process allows people to process their thoughts and ideas, create something, and bring it into the world.
To promote an understanding of some often-misunderstood activities common for people on the autism spectrum, we’ve created a video series about Stimming, short for Self-Stimulatory Behavior. It can provide comfort, help with focus, or offer a sense of calm in overwhelming situations.
Watch "Stimming Looks Like This: The Power of Stims" here.