Crafting Compassion: Celebrating Autism Awareness Month through Knitting and Crocheting

Apr 2

3 min read

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour. It is characterized by challenges in social skills, repetitive behaviours, and difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication. Individuals with autism may have unique strengths and differences in how they perceive the world. Early intervention and support services can help individuals with autism thrive and reach their full potential.

Different Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder

People with autism may have difficulty understanding social cues and expressing themselves effectively in social situations.

Sensory Sensitivities: Many individuals with autism experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, or textures.
Repetitive Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive movements or behaviours is common among individuals with autism, serving various purposes like self-regulation or providing comfort.

These aspects of autism highlight the diverse ways in which individuals with autism experience the world around them, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accommodating their unique needs.

Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting for Individuals with Autism

Therapeutic Effects of Knitting and Crocheting and Enhancing Fine Motor Skills and Coordination

Knitting and crocheting are more than just hobbies - they can also be powerful therapeutic tools for individuals with autism. The repetitive motions of these crafts can help improve focus, concentration, and fine motor skills. Additionally, the tactile nature of yarn and needles can provide a calming sensory experience for those with sensory sensitivities.

Providing a Sense of Accomplishment and Self-Esteem

For individuals with autism, the process of creating something beautiful with their own hands can also boost self-esteem and confidence. It can be a way for them to express themselves creatively and connect with others through a shared interest.

Knitting and Crocheting as Tools for Autism Advocacy

-Creating Awareness Through Handmade Items-

-Fundraising Initiatives Through Crafting-

-Building Inclusive Communities Through Crafting Workshops-

Stories and Testimonials

mosaic crochet mask and skirt — photo credit: American Visionary Art Museum.

crochet colourful mosaic horse head on stick — photo credit: American Visionary Art Museum.

Deborah Berger

Berger was an American artist known for her colourful textile works in knitting and crochet. Born in 1956 with autism, she attended special needs schools in Texas and Pennsylvania. Berger's creative focus was on wearable art, including coats, skirts, masks, and headdresses. After she died in 2005, over 100 pieces of her work were discovered by her family and inventoryed by the New Orleans Museum of Art. Some of her works are now housed at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

artist nera birch, woman with pink hair and large glasses modelling knit scarf — @fuck_you_up_fairy

Nera Birch

Nera has autism and loves to knit! here's what she has to say about her own experience with knitting and autism.

"Knitting is one of my special interests. I learned to knit when I was in second grade, but due to abusive situations all of my life, I wasn’t allowed to pursue it the way I wanted, until now. I have very quickly become obsessed with it, as one tends to do with an autistic special interest. Knitting has allowed me to explore my creativity, helps me stim, and builds my wardrobe. It also has helped me immensely with the pride in my autism. Knitting is all around an amazing sensory experience. I love all the different textures of the yarn. The silkiness of one skein versus the coarser, more solid wool skein. The slight feeling of wistfulness, when I run my hands over a yarn that is beyond my budget, adds its own texture at the yarn store. I adore the sound of my needles clacking together and the whoosh of the yarn being wrapped around my needle. And the colours."

Go, Support Nera!

check out her blog!

http://theautisticpinup.home.blog

https://themighty.com/u/theautisticpinup/

her podcast!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/im-not-drunk-im-autistic/id1558219979

and her socials!

https://www.instagram.com/fuck_you_up_fairy/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/nera.birch/

crochet doll of singer selena in iconic purple jumpsuit — @kikskrafts

youtube screenshot of interview of 14 year old crochet artist — @KVUE

Kiki's Krafts

Talented Artistry: A 14-year-old crochet artist with autism demonstrates exceptional creativity and skill. The unique perspective brought by autism may enhance the artist's work, resulting in truly original and captivating pieces. Check out the in-depth article featuring Kiki!

Check out her Instagram!

KVUE INTERVIEW

YOUTUBE KVUE INTERVIEW

Getting Involved: How You Can Support Autism Awareness Through Knitting and Crocheting

If you're looking to get involved in Autism Awareness Month and support individuals with autism through knitting and crocheting, there are several ways to do so:

Create Awareness: Knit or crochet items in the signature blue colour of autism awareness and share them on social media with the hashtag #AutismAwarenessMonth. This can help start conversations and raise awareness in your community.

Donate: Consider donating knitted or crocheted items to organizations that support individuals with autism. These items can provide comfort and warmth to those in need.

Host a Workshop: Organize a knitting or crocheting workshop for individuals with autism in your community. This can be a fun and inclusive way to bring people together and learn a new skill.