About Kevin Carlson, the Artist

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Kevin Carlson, born in 1978, lives in the beautiful desert of the southwestern United States in Tucson, Arizona. Kevin is like other people except he has autism. Like other people, Kevin has fun in his free time; he has an interest in such things as drawing and listening to music. Unfortunately, Kevin's autism doesn't allow him to take complete care of himself. He has trouble with or cannot perform certain tasks most adults take for granted such as driving a car or making reservations for dinner, for example. Presently, he lives in an assisted living environment with an autistic roommate and has a job at Sage, a crafts store which employs the handicapped and is supervised by non-handicapped personnel. Kevin enjoys art, his job, time with family and is a happy person even though he has autism. Visit his Web site at www.kevincarlson.info.

What is Autism?

Autism is a very serious brain condition. It is a spectrum disorder meaning its affect varies person to person from being mild to severe. A person's communication, social skills and behavior are affected. Effective communication can sometimes or often be challenging. Some are non-verbal. Mild autism is called Asperger’s Syndrome.

Autistic children can have a number of traits including but not limited to, no speech or lack of appropriate speech when they are at an age they are supposed to be talking, hand flapping and not making eye contact with others when socially appropriate. Early diagnosis is critical because the child may have a more positive outcome if special education and treatment is administered as soon as possible. Concerned parents should always consult a medical professional for advice.

As adults, a number of people on the autism spectrum cannot take care of themselves as other people might and can't live on their own without assistance. Others may have careers, marry and get a college education.

There is no cure for autism right now; the cause or causes are presently being researched as opinions differ. One of several potential causes is related to the mercury in vaccines given to children. Another is related to allergies. The cause isn't because of bad parenting, as was often told to parents by doctors years ago.

Reference: Shore, Stephen M., and Linda G. Rastelli. Understanding Autism for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2006.

Artist and Autistic,
Kevin Carlson

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