Art for Autism was actually an idea that came from the creativity of our son Chase. He is the driving force behind The Dockery Foundation as well.

"Taj Mahal" Chase Dockery 2004

Chase has been using art as a means for creative expression his entire life. We figured out when Chase was two that we needed to find a better outlet for his "creativity", other than a Sharpie marker and our living room wall. Art was our saving grace. When Chase was diagnosed with autism at age 7, we realized that is art had become as much therapeutic as a hobby. After we enrolled him in art classes in Florida, he gained self-confidence, improved his art skills, and interacted with other children - something he would have difficulty doing under normal circumstances. Art was helping our Chase in ways that a normal classroom setting could not. We decided that, if we ever moved back to the Mid-South, we would open a center for children with Autism, with art being the focal point.

Fast forward to 2006... Art for Autism was created along with our dream for autistic children of the Mid-South. Using ar as a therapy, we plan to provide these children an expressive sensory program. Through various mediums, we will accomplish this in a safe, loving, and socially receptive environment. We look forward to helping the 1 in 150 children of the Mid-South who has autism or a related disorder.