For absolutely no reason whatsoever a short thread re: stims in public just to show how aware people actually are. You may think you know why I'm posting this right now but I couldn't possibly comment. And the secret word of the day is...     Cassidy - our youngest - has very limited speech and usually communicates thru single words and (very) loud shouty noises.   There are happy noises, frustrated noises, funny noises, the whole spectrum of noises for every emotion or situation and we as his parents have learned this because why wouldn't you learn the language of someone you care about and want to communicate with?   Being out with him (especially shopping) is very interesting - folk will clear the aisle when he goes past, tutting and staring as they go.   If Cass gets stressed or upset he has a tendency to grab your arms and shake you - there's no malice (and he doesn't do it to strangers) it's just pure frustration.   It could be something as major as a...

Well don't say I didn't warn you.    Been busy beavering away on a book version of Spectrum Sinema, the 'wee turn' (which I think is the professional term) I performed during he magnificent Paul Wady's Eccentrics Unite! Fringe show , for the last few months with the hope of getting the whole thing finished by the end of the year (college/hospital/house/usual real-life madness permitting). Anyway being a glutton for punishment I thought I'd share the introduction - and a sneak peek at some of chapter one -  here so folk have an idea of what I'm talking about. I might even share a few chapters along the way if anyone's interested. So without further ado may I present Spectrum Sinema. Enjoy. I hope.    “I know nothing of life except through the cinema.” - Jean-Luc Godard (The Obligatory Introduction Bit.)   Hi all, firstly thank you for buying this book (unless you’re just browsing at it on the shelf so in that case just hurry up and pay f...

A wee bit quiet on the normal (usually angry) Autistic front at the mo' as I'm busy beavering away on the artwork for Frightfest in Glasgow next month....All the film posters are completed (and being unveiled on t'interweb) so currently hard at work on the guest portraits. Anyway I thought I'd share an interview I did regarding the illustrations I create for this fine festival from way back in 2018. And there's even a copy added below for those of you who don't like links and/or pictures. Enjoy.

Can't believe that's a year since our wee film AUTISM PLAYS ITSELF was made available online. Shot in 1957 in at the Maudsley Hospital, London, the original footage captures the movements and behaviour of children under observation for atypical behaviour. In the present day, three autistic respondents watch the footage, bringing new insightful interpretations of the children’s behaviour as they explore the sparse environment of the clinic. Through speculation and identification, with wit and audacity, the responses forge a new soundtrack from an autistic point of view. As the film evolves, it takes on the rhythms and repetitions of the children’s activities, becoming a playful homage to the body language of autism. If you've never seen it watch it now, if you've seen it before feel free to watch again! And if you want to know more just click on the AUTISM PLAYS ITSELF label.  

  Woke up this morning and was reminded that it's 5 years since fright-fringed f#ckwit Sia released the cinematic aberration that was Music so to celebrate (and warn future generations) I thought I'd reshare the link to my review from the time. Enjoy.  If that's the right word.