Autism Awareness Crayola Campaign

“In the U.S., 1 in 59 children is diagnosed on the autism spectrum (ASD). In fact, almost every school and university in the country has students with autism. While the diagnosis is common, public understanding of autism is not. The lack of understanding about the condition can make life even more difficult for children with autism. A recent study reveals that they are five times more likely to be bullied than their peers — treatment no child should endure. While it’s true there can be significant differences between people with autism and their peers, all children want the same things: to feel safe, happy, and loved. And all children have something to contribute — unique perspectives and talents that help make the world a richer and more interesting place."

—Statement from Sesame Workshop

​

I have family with Autism, so I know how hard it is going to school and not having your classmates understand you. There is a huge lack of education on Autism to younger children in public schools. In this SCAD project, I wanted to find a way to educate children on what Autism is, and how they can be a friend to someone with Autism. If more kids understood this, school could be a much safer and loving place for children with Autism. 

​

My solution is the "Be a friend- Autism Awareness" Crayola campaign. This includes a 24 pack crayon box, where each crayon has a quote from a kid with Autism. Some quotes show how kids with Autism are unique, while others show how they are just like many other kids. On the back of the box is a QR code that leads to free, educational Crayola coloring pages that teach kids how they can be a friend to someone with Autism. Teachers or parents can print these out for a full learning experience!

​

For the Crayola box design I used cool blues, as these colors symbolize a world of serenity and peace for children with Autism. The colorful rainbow spectrum is a new symbol for Autism that is more inclusive than the puzzle piece. Many people don't like the puzzle piece because it suggests Autism is something to be cured, rather than loved and accepted. The rainbow shows how autism is a spectrum filled with unique individuals, just like how every kid in the world is unique (and can come together to create something beautiful!) I carried the colorful rainbow palette into a wondrous display shelf for the crayons as well.

​