Autism Awareness

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Autism Awareness

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who are affected by the disorder so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issued stamps and first day covers on 2 April 2012 in recognition of World Autism Day. The stamps, and the artists who designed them, will together raise awareness about this important global cause.

The final selection of the artwork was the result of a worldwide search for talented artists with autism who were eager to share their designs with the United Nations Postal Administration. Head of the UNPA Graphic Design Unit, Ms. Rorie Katz decided to feature artwork of people with autism to educate others of their passion, talents and creativity.

First Day Cover Designs

Alex Masket (U.S.A.) - “Untitled” Kinetic Blue (small first day cover)

Alex Masket is a completely self-taught artist whose workis focused on the interaction of colour and form. Now 24years old, Alex has severe autism, which greatly inhibitshis ability to communicate verbally.

Seth Chwast (U.S.A.) – “Mythic Creatures Mural” (jumbo first day cover)

Seth Chwast was diagnosed with autism as a very young child, and lived for years in a world of roller coasters, haunted houses and classical music. When her autisticson turned 18, a vocational counselor told Debra Chwastthat Seth was unsuited for anything more challenging than janitorial work. He could not cross the street alone, or even be left home alone, or have a conversation. Debra then gaveup her career as a therapist and devoted herself full time to finding a meaningful life for her son. 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. It turned out he has an innate ability to mix colours and create amazing works of art that reflect his vision of his world and the world around him. At 23 he was on the Today show as an artist, at 24, he returned to the Today show and was featured on New Year’s Day as their most inspirational story of the year.

Special First Day Cover Cancellations

On 2 April 2012, special first day hand-cancellations for the Autism Awareness stamps were made available at United Nations Headquarters in New York; the Palais des Nations, Geneva; and the Vienna International Centre, as illustrated in the scanned FDCs' above.

Stamp Specifications

The stamps, in denominations of $1.05, F.s. 1,40 and € 0,70 will be issued in three separate sheets, one for each of the three United Nations Post Offices – New York, Vienna and Geneva. Each horizontal sheet will contain 20 stamps repeating two different designs ten times. The stamps measure 30mm horizontally by 40mm vertically, perforation to perforation. Perforation: 14 x 13 1/4. 

A statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations,BAN Ki-moon, appears in the left tab of the stamp sheet.The text “United Nations” appears twice in the top andtwice in the bottom margin.

Printing

The stamps were printed in offset by Joh Enschedé StampsSecurity Printers B.V. (Netherlands).

Denominations

$1.05

F.s. 1,40

€ 0,70

About the Issue

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general termsfor a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non verbal communication and repetitive behaviours. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, and physical health issues. Autism appears to have its roots invery early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between two and three years of age. Studies also show that autism is three to four times more common among boys than girls.

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes or pediatric AIDS combined. ASD affects an estimated three million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Moreover, government autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 per cent annually in recent years.There is no established explanation for this continuing increase. It is not known whetherthis is due to an increasing rate of the illness or an increased ability to diagnose the illness,which has included newer definitions of autism.

Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music, math,art and academic skills. About 40 per centhave average to above average intellectual abilities. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently. About 25 per cent of individuals with ASD are non-verbal but can learn to communicate using other means.

The overall mission of autism organizations is to support people affected by autism and their families to improve the lives of those on the autism spectrum. For some, this means the development and delivery of more effective treatments that can address significant challenges in communication and physical health. For others, it means increasing acceptance, respect and support.

The Artists

New York stamp designs ($1.05)

Hannah Kandel (U.S.A.) – “Crazy Love”

At age nineteen, Hannah Rose Kandel has already achieved many of her life goals. Hannah’s parents, Dr. Joseph and Merrylee Kandel, started early interventions to address Hannah’s autism when she was eighteen months old. Over time, Hannah learned how to communicate and is now able to speak about her personal experiences.

“Crazy Love” began as a project created by Masterpiece Mixers Paint and Party Studio, for a group of developmentally disabled adults, as an expression of the love they have for one another and the love they have inside of them. It has become a signature painting for their studios.

Trent Altman (U.S.A.) – “An Abstract Garden II”

Trent Altman is an award-winning artist who exhibits his work nationally in fine art shows and galleries. He paints expressionistic abstract pieces in acrylics and mixed media collages on canvas. Although Trent has autism, he expresses through artwork his perception of the world. His work reflects a freedom of expression, movement, andenergy through the multiple methods used in applying paint and collage materials. Trent is also a wonderful example of how someone who has autism can face challenges “withsupports” to live a full life as a contributing member of society. Art has enabled Trent to live life with increased independence.

Geneva stamp designs (F.s. 1,40)

Michael Augello (U.S.A.) – “Untitled”

Michael Augello, seven years old, was diagnosed at threewith an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

J.A. Tan (Philippines and Canada) – “Victory”

Mr. Tan describes himself as an artist with autism. Diagnosed as a high-functioning autistic child before his third birthday, J.A. aims to show through art how his mind works. J.A. was born and raised in the Philippines and is now based in Vancouver, Canada, having completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Emily Carr University of Artand Design in Vancouver.

Of his art, he says: “I have come to the realization that I have always used art as a way of helping myself bring outmy thoughts, feelings and ideas. I consider it an integral part of my existence as each work is a personal journey ofmyself with myself, and myself with the world, bringing a feeling of peace and happiness since things become clearer to me through the images and visual pictures before me.

Coping with everyday life as an artist challenged with autism, I strive to make a difference in the world. Through my work, I hope to make the world less of a mystery and less scary for everyone. I hope to be able to make concrete images of how someone like me thinks, feels and interacts with people”.

Vienna stamp designs (€ 0,70)

Colm Isherwood (Republic of Ireland)– “Untitled”

Irish artist Colm Isherwood has enjoyed working with a variety of media for many years, but has recently concentrated on painting.

Colm’s paintings are very sensory and tactile, which has always been a big part of Colm’s life. Colm uses a variety of techniques to create texture. From layering paint to dripping it, using his hands or objects such as balloons and piping bags, Colm has a great sense for colour. In his work, every colour seems to compliment the next.

Colm and his twin brother, Eric, both have severe autism – they have no speech and cannot read or write. They have been influenced greatly by their mentor/teacher Aine Crowley.

Ryan Smoluk (Canada) – “The Path”

Ryan Smoluk is an award winning Canada-based artist. Ryan’s art has been showcased throughout Canada and internationally. He has excelled in a number of mediums including oils and acrylic, illustrative art, pottery and clay sculptures. Ryan also is an effective spokesperson and advocate for autism awareness. He was nominated by Toyota Canada for the “Never Quit Award”. Ryan is currently completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba.

Ryan had the following to say about this design: “Everyone has a path and journey in life. When I approached this piece at 15 years old I tried to express the need for people to walk with each other and share in each others journeys regardless of difference. The rainbow symbolizes the diversity of everyone’s path and yet the beauty that results when we all share in the same journey”.