April is National Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate differences and foster greater awareness, understanding, and inclusion.
At Monroe Street Arts Center, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity and express themselves through the arts. We proudly support autistic individuals during National Autism Acceptance Month and throughout the year.
Some ways MSAC supports autistic individuals is through our inclusive art and music programs:
Aspiring Artists & Musicians
Our inclusive art and music programs are a testament to our comprehensive approach. At Monroe Street Arts Center, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our Instructors, Occupational Therapists, and Speech and Language Pathologists from Aspire Therapy work together to create a unique learning environment for children of all abilities. These classes use Art and Music instruction to help students work towards and meet therapy goals while also providing a positive opportunity for social connection. Aspiring Artists and Aspiring Musicians classes are free and open to the public for registration, providing neurodivergent students the opportunity to interact with their peers of the same age in a guided environment.
Learn more about this program here.
Sensory Art Studio
In our sensory Art Studio, we understand that each student is unique and has their own set of abilities and needs. That's why we provide individualized support, ensuring everyone, including siblings and friends, can work alongside each other. All students have access to the same materials and instructors, but with the added support they need to fully engage in art-making.
Classes are tuition-free and held in a wheelchair/moto- support-accessible art room accommodating students with different abilities and accessibility needs. Each class enriches our students with the experience of visual and sensory art and expression. The group experiences and interacts with new art media in a setting encouraging social engagement. Learn more about this program here.
MSAC's arts enrichment classes are about more than just learning and creating. They are about building a community. We design our classes with inclusivity and understanding at their core, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and included. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment for autistic students, and we work closely with families to ensure their needs are met.
Sensory Backpacks
Each of our art rooms is equipped with backpacks that include a pair of noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, a visual timer, a variety of sensory toys, and a weighted lap buddy. These items can help lessen sensory overload and keep students engaged.