Art therapy in Sheffield exhibition

A exhibition by the A Team Social Group was held at The Circle on Rockingham Street to help mark Autism Awareness Week. Pictured is Tara Shad with her display.

An exhibition of work by adults with autism has been unveiled at a city gallery, to mark World Autism Awareness Day.

Gallery in the Circle is hosting the exhibition, created by The A Team, a social or educational group of autistic adults from Sheffield.

The A Team hopes the display will help raise awareness of the challenges facing adults living with the condition in the city.

Sylvia Johnson, of Sheffield Asperger’s Parents Action Group, which supports the group, said: “The A Team is a diverse group of individuals on the autistic spectrum who meet up regularly.

“Between them, they have a range of interests and skills and this exhibition aims to show some of the things they do, so people can have a better understanding of how to engage with people with autism.

“The exhibition is a celebration of the lives of autistic people everywhere, and coincides with the launch of a national campaign, organised by the National Autistic Society, to raise the public’s understanding of the challenges facing autistic people as they operate on a day-to-day basis.”

Alex Hudson, who was diagnosed with Autism four years ago, has displayed some of her drawings in the exhibition, at the gallery on Rockingham Street.

“I started drawing when I was a teenager - making big, bold, colourful marks on the page was very therapeutic for me,” said Alex, of Sheffield, who joined The A Team 18 months ago.

“Art has become a big part of my everyday life, whether it’s painting or appreciating other artists work.Being diagnosed has helped me a lot in understanding myself better and I have been able to work on certain things which I find difficult, such as socialising and sensory overload. “Being part of the group has helped me greatly in having more confidence in my social skills as I have been able to socialise in a safe environment.”