Austim Awareness - Little's Photography

[Guest guest]

April is Autism Awareness Month. Like many parents of kids on the spectrum, trying to get my child to participate in a family portrait or professional pictures has been exasperating. Therefore, like myself, many parents just do not go to the effort to do this with their kids. For example, when my son was 3, I took him for the portraits our karate school was doing. He was unprepared for the event and did not know what to expect. He was confused at how the photography equipment was placed in the area in which he played (by play, I mean ran around in circles). The karate school staff had placed accordion mats to act as a wall along the length of the floor, separating the photo shooting area from the ongoings of the after school

program. My son became so overwhelmed, and in his effort to run away, he knocked down expensive camera equipment and the accordion mat wall. The next year, we tried again. And, again, he was overwhelmed and did not know what to expect, nor the purpose of us being there. This time, it resulted in him hitting and kicking and biting me in an effort to escape the activity. Four years later... Over the winter break, I took a chance with Little's Photography and had an amazing experience. The team at Little's was welcoming and patient and worked with us to ensure we had a great experience. They worked really hard to ensure Austin had a great experience and was photographed in a way that really captured his true personality. He really enjoyed himself! We all did. Since that time, Little and I have spoken at length about how to reach other families who may also have

shied away from obtaining a family portrait or professional pictures due to the challenges of their children. I've assisted her in creating a social story and other visual supports, as well as, educating on autism and related conditions and ways to help make this an enjoyable process. Their team is so willing and excited to work with our families! Because of her experience with Austin and that it is also Autism Awareness Month, she has chosen to offer special pricing on her services/packages as a result of these discussions and what she has learned. Additionally, the supportive visuals and social stories will assist the kids in enjoying the process and help to capture their true beautiful selves. I hope that you can forward our story, along with the flyer, to help other families affected by autism and related conditions. It's a great community resource.