AUTISM - Schaumburg Group

Well, it' s not my usual Saturday morning but it was great to spend it with all these awesome kids and their families. A good friend of mine from way back when, has two special need children. The group wants to do a calendar as a fundraiser so she called me for the photography. We planned two weekends - the first one would be more portrait-like shots with the children and their families and the second would be at the fun gym-like place Pump It Up.

I had a photography friend with me on the first Saturday. He was great with the kids, talking to them, warming them up to the camera and catching them w/ bright eyes and big smiles on their face. Thank you David Cardenas. Great working with you!

It's amazing (in a disturbing way) how many children (and their families) are impacted by autism - all of varying degrees. Thankfully, our perception of these children has changed from detached and unemotional. Now we see them as children are: loving and responsive, curious and animated. Though, it is indeed such a challenge for families. I'm just so glad that I could spend this time getting to know them and learning about their struggles.

Check out some of these great kids. And once the calendar is published, I'll be sure to post again with the information on how you can purchase your own calendar to help support this organization.