Since H was very young I have made a bit of a habit of handing him my camera on long drives, or when he needs a break or is feeling overwhelmed… or when he points out something of interest.
This is also a really lovely way for H to handle crowds or noise – as it gives him some control, something to focus upon, and creates a little space between him and his environment with the camera as a kind of shield, or a mask, or a safe way to narrow his wide view of the world and focus in on something exquisite.
Yesterday at the ASAN Protest of Autism Speaks, H called me over to a little treed area and pointed out a crow that had caught his interest.
He was watching closely, entranced, noting and sharing how it made this clickitying noise…
I handed him my camera…
I love the way H can capture things: details and angles that I might not consider.
I love the glimpse into the way he sees things.
I love looking at the photos together later. It is like opening a gift!
H and I both agreed that these beautiful photos deserved a post of their own… so we are gifting them to you as well! ♥
“Talking with Crows” by H: Photo 1 of 8
“Talking with Crows” by H: Photo 2 of 8
“Talking with Crows” by H: Photo 3 of 8
“Talking with Crows” by H: Photo 4 of 8
“Talking with Crows” by H: Photo 5 of 8
“Talking with Crows” by H: Photo 6 of 8
“Talking with Crows” by H: Photo 7 of 8
“Talking with Crows” by H: Photo 8 of 8
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30 Days of Autism is a project designed to fight stigma, promote civil rights, and increase understanding and acceptance for those who process and experience the world differently.
© Leah Kelley, Thirty Days of Autism (2014)
Thirty Days of Autism 
Very nice. The photos made me smile. Tell H thank you for sharing his photos for me.
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Thank you, Erin. I will make sure that H sees your comment ❤
I know it will be appreciated!!
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I’m sure that crow is posing! It’s an interesting thought that the camera helps H with crowds and noise. I might suggest it to my daughter for stressful situations she might find herself in.
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Haha!! Yes! I am quite sure you are right… though I wasn’t watching, that crow does seem to be a poser!!
It would be interesting if this is a strategy that might work for your daughter. I’d be interested in knowing her reaction.
I like that that stressed energy is turned into a creative expression for H, but I think that anything that honours the need for space and a different pace is likely a positive support.
H is quite quietly patient with watching birds and other creatures, so handing him the camera seems a natural extension to this.
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I love everything about this! ❤ Also, my husband (who is ND but not autistic) uses his phone camera and sometimes a "real" camera or video camera in a similar way on long outings. I suspect you've given H a lifelong hobby/coping strategy and one that will bringing you snapshots of how he sees the world for many years to come. 🙂
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((Cynthia)) ❤ Thank you…. and… Yes!!
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Beautiful. Thanks for sharing these.
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