Deviants have spoken, and thus we will listen. The poll shows that the majority of you would like to go with Autism, and so from this point forward all of our donations will be directed towards Autism Speaks. Some of you have expressed concerns about the fact that is isn't an international charity, but part of their organisation is to fund research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism, and that benefits everyone.

Some people are uncertain as to what Autism really is.

"Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe." *_{Taken from the Autism Speaks website}

From Wikipedia "Autism is highly heritable, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is generally unclear which genes are responsible. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Other proposed causes, such as childhood vaccines, are controversial and the vaccine hypotheses lack convincing scientific evidence. Most recent reviews estimate a prevalence of one to two cases per 1,000 people for autism, and about six per 1,000 for ASD, with ASD averaging a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, at least partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.

Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is poorly understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. Early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills. There is no cure. Few children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, but some become successful, and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing that autism is a condition rather than a disorder."

It isn't fatal, it doesn't kill... but it does cripple. Living with Autism is hard for the parents, harder for the children and adults who have it.

Now is the time for new donations! If you feel inspired to do a deviation based on Autism even better!

Also, I plan on cleaning up the gallery here once more. I would like to take out the older deviations and replace them with newer, fresher pieces. I also have an idea to do limited release prints from your favourite artists, so hopefully I will get support for that!


And as always, thank you all for your continued support. Without your help, this all would come to nothing.

`switchbladeserenade