The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures : Autism Through Art

For many years Eileen Miller's daughter, Kim, was unable to verbalize her experiences and emotions, but she was able to communicate using a less conventional language: her art. The Girl who Spoke with Pictures tells the story of a young woman with autism, and how her enlightening drawings enabled her to share her view of the world.Illustrated with drawings created by Kim between the ages of 3 and 17 years old, the book gives an insight into how Kim expressed her thoughts and feelings through pictures, revealing her capacity to learn and be understood by those around her. Reflecting on her daughter's artwork, the author explores the concept of art as a universal language that can transcend barriers and enhance the personal and educational experiences of those with autism.This book provides a window into one autistic girl's experience of life and will be essential reading for teachers, parents, and anyone with an interest in autism front cover......Page 1 AUTISM THROUGH ARTTHE GIRL WHO SPOKE WITH PICTURES......Page 5 CONTENTS......Page 11 FOREWORD......Page 17 INTRODUCTION......Page 19 Grandpa’s pen......Page 21 In the beginning......Page 24 The artist......Page 28 Stimulation......Page 35 Visual acuity......Page 37 Extreme tactile response......Page 38 Hypersensitive hearing......Page 42 Ebb and flow......Page 46 Time and space......Page 47 Processing information......Page 49 Perseveration......Page 53 3. COMMUNICATION......Page 61 Echolalia......Page 62 Building a communication system......Page 64 Building blocks of language......Page 66 Upset......Page 70 Chicken and fox......Page 72 Revealing the desires of her heart......Page 75 Crying......Page 83 Mad......Page 84 Teenage years......Page 86 Rosy years......Page 91 Of Mice and Men......Page 94 Expressions of gratitude......Page 100 5. THE ART OF EDUCATION......Page 103 We’re getting through!......Page 104 Confidentiality issue......Page 109 Mr. Fiend......Page 114 School violence......Page 119 The poisoning......Page 127 Using her art......Page 130 Mr. Newman......Page 137 Kim’s perception of people and environment......Page 147 People’s perception of her behavior......Page 148 Community response......Page 150 Church......Page 154 Becoming a member of the community......Page 161 Making a connection......Page 167 Rejecting John......Page 170 Grandparents......Page 174 Louie......Page 178 Friendships......Page 182 Perspective taking......Page 185 Natural instincts?......Page 189 A breakthough......Page 193 Bad memories......Page 196 Sixth grade “keeping her memories......Page 198 September 11, 2001......Page 200 Different spectrum......Page 202 Different type of hard drive......Page 204 Craving liberation (in her own words)......Page 205 CONCLUSION......Page 209 For many years Eileen Miller's daughter, Kim, was unable to verbalize her experiences and emotions, but she was able to communicate using a less conventional her art. The Girl who Spoke with Pictures tells the story of a young woman with autism, and how her enlightening drawings enabled her to share her view of the world. Illustrated with drawings created by Kim between the ages of 3 and 17 years old, the book gives an insight into how Kim expressed her thoughts and feelings through pictures, revealing her capacity to learn and be understood by those around her. Reflecting on her daughter's artwork, the author explores the concept of art as a universal language that can transcend barriers and enhance the personal and educational experiences of those with autism. This book provides a window into one autistic girl's experience of life and will be essential reading for teachers, parents, and anyone with an interest in autism Eileen Miller Shares How Her Autistic Daughter Used Her Advanced Artistic Skills To Express Her Thoughts And Feelings And Eventually Learn To Connect With The World Around Her. Eileen Miller ; Illustrations By Kim Miller ; Foreword By Robert Nickel. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.