GLIMPSE

By Natasha Labbe & Lori Jeanne Peloquin, Ph.D.

Please listen to my heart

Please forgive these clumsy words

Just hear me from my open heart to yours

The language of my heart speaks eloquently 

While my fingers grapple for the letters one at a time.

My mouth has nothing to say.

        - Please Listen to My Heart, Roy Bedward

"Please Listen to My Heart,” triggers different responses from readers, as the lyrical words are both powerful and poignant. Yet many readers are further moved to learn that the author, Roy Bedward, age 29, from Madison, WI,  is an individual with autism that is non-verbal, and who uses facilitated communication to write.

Roy Bedward and the many other artists with autism or other developmental challenges have helped ICDL create the literary magazine GLIMPSE.  A compilation of poetry, essays, photography, paintings and other creative works, GLIMPSE offers a look at the world by people with a different lens, that of autism.

In a constant effort to redefine the potential of people with developmental challenges and to recognize their individual differences, ICDL has produced GLIMPSE,  and invites submissions from adults and children of all ages and functional levels. GLIMPSE intends to showcase the strengths and unique creativity of those with special needs.

The first edition of the publication, distributed January on ICDL website was warmly received, as each artistic rendering included  exudes fresh and honest insight. Every artist created and shared their personal experience and artistic vision, including themes of isolation and pain, but also the freedom of their imagination and found happiness.  GLIMPSE focuses on the strength, talent and resilience of the human spirit, which perseveres despite life’s obstacles. Michael Moon takes readers on a journey of his sensory experience and creative process in, “Artistic/Autistic,” as he shares, “I experience things in such intricate patterns, which then help me dissect the sounds and colors of the world into little windows called art.”

GLIMPSE debuts at an exciting time when the web has revolutionized ideas of networking, education, and exposure.  People now have the opportunity to read this amazing publication online at no cost Yet, the vision is to expand the GLIMPSE publication beyond its online format.  Plans for a publishing a hardcopy GLIMPSE collection, as well as calendars, greeting cards and more featuring the artwork and written narratives are in the works to reach even more.

ICDL encourages artists to see GLIMPSE as a catalyst to showcase their talent and the opportunity to enlighten the world about the unique talents, vision and aptitude of individuals with autism and developmental challenges.

Submissions are continuously being accepted. To learn more about the publication and submission guidelines please click here.