Day 364

For the rest of the project I'm going to have a few
people in Kelt's life write guest posts. This entry is by our dad.

It’s not hyperbole to say I’ve had a thousand unusual experiences in checkout lines with Kelton over the last dozen or so years. He and I often travel together to stores to purchase things we think we need. There have been the best and worst of times at the checkout line; that’s an understatement. Some were maddening, others humorous, some revealing, others sad, and many surprising, and thirty or forty, downright embarrassing. I’ll never forget the man Kelton told that he stank like fish; he did, too. I can honestly say that I have felt the full gamut of emotions in checkout lines. I could write a novella and it would be called “Checking Out with Kelton,” with the subtitle “Not for the Faint of Heart.” If I really pondered the subject, it would turn into a Stephen-King-size novel, with just some elements of horror. Many experiences I’ve forgotten, only occasionally to have some event trigger the memory. Other experiences I would like to forget. But there are some encounters I often recall with an internal smile. Would I trade in all those experiences for a normal checkout life? No.

We all wait in checkout lines; most of us quietly move forward until it is time to pay; maybe a few remarks to the cashier or the box boy or even to those immediately near; for the most part people keep to themselves. Not Kelton. If the line is long and slow, Kelton doesn’t hesitate to begin the inquisition. “Where did you graduate? What sports were you in? Do you know ‘so-and-so’? Did you know that my dad looks like Nathan Blueberg from Nooksack? Yaah, I collect key chains. I have 6,481. Do you collect anything? We have the worst football team. Did you know” . . .

I used to try to discourage him from talking or questioning strangers. Not any more. It is futile. Now, I go with the flow; try to enjoy the ride. It’s a challenge that requires a special set of skills that I have developed over the years, but mostly it’s falling into a hypnotic state and having a sort of “out-of-body” experience while remembering the details of using a debit card.

When there are multiple checkout lines, ours is often the most colorful. Once in a while, I can’t help sensing there is some “checkout-line envy” in the neighboring lines. I’ve come to appreciate “good” checkout banter, even if it is mostly by one enthusiastic young man. There is the benefit of being in line again with the same purchasers: “Don’t you collect key chains?”

“Yes, how did you know? Do I know you?”

“You told me last time we were here. We were in the same line.”

“Oh. I collect bobble heads, too.”

“Really?”

Then it begins again.

I’ll just tell one story, mostly in its entirety. We were in a crowded Costco. In line of course. There were many lines and they were all long. Why I picked the line I did; I don’t know. I often pick the slowest even when it appears the shortest; it’s an uncanny knack I have. The usual was occurring: “I collect key chains? What school did you graduate from? Do you know” . . . Before we got to the front of the line, just two or three ahead, I saw that the cashier had only one arm. Instead of a full arm on his right, from the elbow down was a black, leather arm with a pinching hook on the end. It was unusual to say the least. I knew what was going to happen, but there was no turning back. We were next.

“What happened to your arm?” were the next words I heard stinging my ears as I tried to use the debit machine faster than I ever had.

“It got blown off from some fireworks. They went off before I knew it.” Everyone was silent in line as the boy and man spoke to each other.

“That’s too bad, but your black arm looks really cool!”

The cashier smiled and his tone was different, softer, and his expression sincere and maybe with some relief. He said, “Thank you.”

“Bye,” Kelton said.

“Bye,” he said.

We hurriedly left. I could only think to say as we approached our car, “you should always be careful with fireworks, Kelt.”

“Of course, dad, I know that.”

Day 363

For the rest of the project I'm going to have a few people in
Kelt's life write guest posts. This entry is by our sister Kenzi.

I thought my dad was joking when he told me I was going to be Kelton's new aid at Whatcom Community College. I realized that he was being serious after attending orientation. As a recent Washington State University graduate, I was not exactly thrilled with the idea of spending my first year in the real world at community college.

It was a difficult process finding classes and programs that would work best for Kelt. After hours of research, tests, phone calls and meetings, my family realized that he would need an aid to be successful. We went back and forth between my mom and I, but finally decided it would seem more normal if I was the aid rather then his Mommy!

The first day of school Kelt introduced me as his personal secretary; last week he announced during math class that my breath smelled like grass; and in weight training he continues to tell everyone that I'm weak and can only do one pull-up. Being his personal secretary and sister can be unpredictable and nerve-racking, making it hard to decipher my role (sister or aid). Through this experience I have realized more then ever that I need to let him be himself. It’s important that people accept him for who he is.

If you were to ask Kelt about college, he would tell you that he's having fun and loves seeing people he knows. I'm happy that I'm helping my family and that Kelt gets to experience college. We've been going to Whatcom for four weeks and each day continues to be exciting. Wish us luck for the rest of the quarter!

Day 362

Prom 2010

Tacoma Dome, state tournament, 2011

For the rest of the project I'm going to have a few people in
Kelt's life write guest posts. This entry is by our brother Camden.

Growing up with Kelton gave me a different perspective on life. Early on I realized that I had opportunities that he never would, no matter how hard he tried, which made me work harder in sports and school to make up for everything that he would never get to do.

I loved having Kelt in high school, even though it meant watching him on sport trips, mediating school problems, and helping him with homework. Sometimes I didn't get to experience the same things as other kids; while my friends were drinking before prom, I was watching Kelt to make sure he was acting the right way and having a good time.

I love all of his stories, even though sometimes they drive me crazy. Overall he makes me laugh more than anyone I know. My friends liked having him in school because he had a great sense of humor. There weren't too many times that I had to stand up for him because most people were understanding and enjoyed his company. There were a few times that I had to say something, and when I did, my intentions were clear. Those people soon realized that he deserved the same treatment as everyone else.

I also felt like he looked up to me when it came to sports and grades, so I wanted to try as hard as I possibly could. I once said, "I would give up my 3rd place state wrestling medal for Kelt if it meant that he could compete in the state tournament." Beyond everyone's expectations, he ended up going to state and proved that anyone can accomplish their dreams if they're determined. He never made me feel left out. If anything he's helped me connect with a larger group of people and made me appreciate every little thing. I love my brother and will always be there for him. Kelton is the most inspiring, fun, and random person that I know and he will do great things, even though he was given these struggles.

Day 360

Justin and his family: Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

Justin with girlfriend Paloma: Andrea Morales/The New York Times

Justin working at Gencarelli's Bakery in Bloomfield, NJ.
Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

Justin's composition book: Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

Justin Canha: Mother and Child 3

I recently read the article Autistic and Seeking a Place in an Adult World in the New York Times. Justin Canha, a 22-year-old artist from NJ, has successfully found work, friends, and a girlfriend despite his struggles with autism. Through his family and transition teacher, Kate Stanton-Paule, he’s developed social, vocational, and sensory strategies to cope with the overwhelming rules of our society.

Canha started drawing as a young child as a form of communication. From there he started filling his composition books with miniature cartoon characters and used art to complete school assignments. In 2008 the Ricco Maresca Gallery in NYC sold 12 of his paintings at the Outsider Art Fair, some for as much as $4,000! With such early success, his family started thinking about a future in art. After his senior year, he started the 18-21 transition curriculum at Montclair High, which was a progressive post-secondary program that emphasized community interaction. He volunteered at a library, animal shelter, and elementary school and eventually got an internship at an animation studio, Nightstand Creations. After the internship he started working at a bakery and currently works in an art store. He hasn’t become a famous animator-illustrator yet, but continues to draw and paint until he reaches that goal.

Day 352

For the rest of the project I'm going to have a few people in Kelt's
life write guest posts. This entry is from one of his best friends, Sean.

Through my life there have been many people, places, and events that have made me who I am and will continue for the rest of my life. In 18 years two things have been the foundation of who I am today, sports and being friends with Kelton.

Kelton has been my best friend since kindergarten and we have had so many great memories together. The thing about Kelton is that he has autism. Some people may think it's weird hanging out with an autistic kid after school and being friends with him, but he has made me who I am today in a huge way. He shows me that no matter what I do in life, there will always be a good thing happening and to keep my head up no matter what happens. He brings a smile to my face every time I see him even if I'm in a bad mood. He'll crack a joke to make me laugh; he'll try to comfort me, or just say hi to make me smile. I helped with Special Olympics bowling this year and he was one of the athletes. I have never seen someone so happy participating in an event until I watched him bowl. There were a few times that he didn't hit any pins and stomped his feet and grunted like he was mad, but seconds later he walked back to his ball, smiled and said, "Watch Sean, I'll hit all the pins down next time." No matter what, he finds joy in everything that he does, which has rubbed off on me, making me the person I am today. I don't know what I'd be like if Kelton wasn't in my life.

Day 339

I recently came across the blog, Grow Your Brain, by artist Seth Chwast, which shows his work and exhibitions. He's been shown at the Museum of Modern Art in Ukraine and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History; has a mural at the Time Equities Building in NYC; is one of the 54 artists in the book Artism; and co-wrote a book with his mom, An Unexpected Life, to list a few of his accomplishments.

"Chwast was diagnosed with autism as a very young child, lived for years in a world of roller coasters, haunted houses and classical music. A dramatic change came in 2003, when at age 20 he took an oil painting class at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Seth, who rarely speaks, began describing his world in paint. He displayed an innate ability to mix colors and create amazing works of art that reflect his vision of his world and the world around him." -Grow Your Brain

Six Self Studies, 70" x 84", acrylic on canvas, 2005

Museum of Modern Art, Ukraine

Manhattan Floating, 104 individual panels 16" x 24", 2010, Time Equities Building, NYC

New York, New York Right Side with Crane and Clock, 22" x 22", graphite on paper, 2010

Day 337

Gauguin & Me, oil

Iranian Bus, 18 x 24", oil, 2009

In Spokane my Mom recently went to a local grocery store and found a magazine called The Autism File. This is a quarterly publication that covers a variety of issues about autism, such as therapy, diets and recipes, new books, family, personal stories, and communication, etc. Each issue also features an artist with autism in a segment called Mind's Eye: Art across the spectrum... Coincidentally the artist in the summer issue, Kevin Hosseini, is one of the artists featured in Artism, which is a book I've been discussing for the past couple of weeks. Hosseini is only 16 and has already been shown at the Museum of Modern Art in Ukraine, Soho Digital Art Gallery in NYC, and has 55 paintings on regular display at the UCSB Koegel Autism Clinic in Santa Barbara, etc. He has an advanced style that's been compared to artists such as Gauguin, Matisse, Picasso, and Van Gogh. To see more of his paintings, check out is website at kevingallery.com.

Day 334

I recently started the book House Rules by Jodi Picoult, which is about a teenager with Asperger's who gets accused of murder. I haven't read much, but so far Picoult has done a great job describing classic Asperger's, such as literalness, perseveration, intense interests, need for routine, and social misunderstandings, etc. Besides the plot and protagonist, I also enjoy the chapters that are told by the younger brother, Theo. I like reading his side of the story because it reminds me of my other brother, Camden, and the way he might have felt growing up with a brother with autism. Here are a couple of examples from the book:

"I am supposed to make exceptions for Jacob; it's one of our unwritten house rules. So when we need to take a detour away from a detour sign (how ironic is that?) since it's orange and freaks Jacob out, that trumps the fact that I'm ten minutes late for school. And he always gets the shower first, because a hundred billion years ago when I was still a baby Jacob took the first shower, and he can't handle having his routine messed up. And when I turned 15 and made an appointment to get my learner's permit at the DMV - an appointment that got canceled when Jacob had a meltdown over buying a pair of new sneakers - I was expected to understand that these things happen. The problem is, something happened the next three times I tried to get my mom to take me to the DMV and, finally, I just stopped asking" (11).

"I run interference. I'm the one who physically drags Jacob away from a conversation when he's starting to freak people out by being too intense. I'm the one who tells him to stop flapping when he's nervous on the bus, because it makes him look like a total nutcase. I'm the one who goes to his classes before I go to my own, just to let the teachers know that Jacob had a rough morning because we unexpectedly ran out of soy milk" (12).

Theo's perspective makes me question Camden's and the difficulty of having a brother with autism. It's a hard and atypical relationship, but I hope Cam appreciates Kelt and understands how they both contribute to our family. Kelt wouldn't be as successful if it wasn't for him.

Day 331

Kelt got this keychain today from a thrift store in Spokane. So inappropriate!

Justin Dixon is another artist that's introduced in the book Artism. This book shows 54 artists across the world with autism that range in age and experience. Dixon is a 17-year-old emerging artist from New Jersey that draws and paints his favorite logos that he collects from a variety of tv shows and movies. Besides painting, he enjoys watching games shows, swimming, bowling, and playing the xylophone. To learn more about the different artists in the book, check out the website, Artism Today.

Day 328

Sutherland Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba, 2001

Flying High, 2000, 12 x 9.5", acrylic

"When an individual is marked by disability a small gesture of acceptance, empathy and caring can lift that person's spirits and help in their recovery process literally sending them flying high in spirit and emotion." - Smoluk

For the next week we're going to discuss different artists that were published in the book Artism. This work was done by artist Ryan Smoluk from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He paints with acrylic, draws comics, and sculpts with clay, etc. He's shown his work in numerous galleries across North American and has four murals in Winnipeg! To see more of his work, check out ryansmoluk.ca.

Day 325

Garde Rail Gallery Blog

The Cougars, 24 x 36", 2009
graphite, colored pencil, crayon, permanent marker on paper

The Historic F Outboard Raceboat Equipment of the 1950s-1970s Southern-To-Pacific Coast
US Regions, 24 x 48", 2006, graphite, colored pencil, crayon, permanent marker on paper

For the next couple of weeks we're going to feature different artists with autism from the book Artism. This work was done by artist Gregory Blackstock from Seattle. He uses ink, pencil, markers, and crayons to create works of repetition. Along with art he also plays the accordion, piano, and organ; has a great memory; and speaks many languages. He is represented by the Garde Rail Gallery in Seattle and has his own book, Blackstock's Collections. To see more drawings, check out Garde Rail Gallery.

Video: King 5 Evening Magazine, Sept. 29, 2011

Day 320

Kelt also got this keychain on the island from a local shop.

Today I finished the book Room by Emma Donoghue. I don't want to give too much away, but the story's about a woman who's captured and held prisoner in a 11' x 11' room for 7 years. During the second year she has a son, Jack, and does everything she can to make their living situation seem as normal as possible. They have a daily routine of playing, reading, exercising, watching tv, and making art, etc. She has an explanation for all of Jack's questions; for example, the tv channels represent different planets that are floating in Outside. They eventually escape, which forces Jack to learn social rules and adapt to a new reality.

Throughout the book Jack's experiences constantly reminded me of the problems that people with autism have with social rules. Jack was forced to instantly learn new rules, sounds, smells, and objects, etc. that most people gradually learn through time and experience. Jack had a physical barrier, but most people with autism have a mental wall that prevent them from learning these rules on their own. For example, Jack didn't understand manners and had to learn which phrases to say in different situations. People with autism have similar difficulties, which some people refer to as the hidden curriculum.

Day 316

Kelt's 7th grade wrestling photo with gloves.

Today we're driving to Lopez Island, WA to camp for 6 days! Lopez is apart of the San Juan Islands and is one of the larger islands out of the 172. As we packed for Kelt, I started to think of the essentials that he needs to leave the house. His survival kit is a little different than most people's, which includes items such as sweat pants, fingernail clippers, gluten and casein free food, vitamins, history books, journals, and mechanical pencils, etc. Ever since he was little, he's never been able to wear jeans. The material is one of the few tactile sensitivities that he has. He's also always been concerned with his fingernails and hands. When he was younger he used to wear gloves to stop biting his nails. It's interesting to think about his past behaviors and observe how they've progressed throughout the years.

Day 313

Today Kelt and I submitted our drawings to an art show in Spokane called NEED | WANT. I thought this would be a good show for us because it's concerned with the "way contemporary American society assigns value and priority." In our statement I tried to explain how this idea relates to Kelt and his keychains, but once I started, it was harder to describe than I thought. This is what we finally said:

Our drawings and Kelton's keychain collection fit well with the show’s concept. For him there’s a fine line between need and want and sometimes there’s no difference at all. Even though he WANTS more keychains, the desire to have as many as possible has become a driving force. For this reason he NEEDS his collection because it provides ease and escape, which is important in a hectic society that’s ruled by norms and expectations. He enjoys his keychains because it’s comforting to control something. Most people with autism have specific interests and prefer a lifestyle that is consistent and predictable.

Day 306

I recently came across Pure Vision Arts, which is a studio/gallery in Manhattan for artists with autism and other types of disabilities. I wish this studio was closer because a program like this would be perfect for Kelt. Someday Kelt and I would like to open a studio like PVA and Creative Growth for adults with disabilities. Below are a few examples of the work that is represented by the gallery.

Barry Kahn, Untitled 5, Mixed Media on Paper, 2008

Walter Mika, Obama, Oil Pastel on Paper, 2009

Susan Brown, Her Family, Mixed Media on Canvas, 2010
Brown was recently published in the book Artism: The Art of Autism