David Strumpf’s son Steven was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when he was five years old. Over the last 20 years, David watched Steven’s growth evolve as he would express many of his ideas through art and a unique understanding of geometric shapes and positioning.
David remarked at Steven’s ability to draw very sophisticated mazes at a young age and watched as this skill evolved into hand drawings with extreme detail and accuracy. Later, these skills evolved into computer graphic design and animation.
“Through many years of help from the Thompson Center and learning to adapt to the world of neuro-typicals, Steven has learned to adapt and accept our society’s limitations,” Strumpf said. “He has been through extreme challenges in life and has become an extremely accomplished independent citizen with interests in computer programming, animation design and hand drawn art. I’ve always been interested in visual, auditory and geometric art but Steven has shown me a deeper level of perspective and appreciation of how powerful and important art is in our lives. We are so proud of him and thankful to the support services received through the Thompson Center.”
To show his thanks to the Thompson Center, honor his son’s interests in art, and help raise awareness of the importance of celebrating the talent within everyone, David Strumpf decided to help create the Creative Expression on the Spectrum program at the Thompson Center.
“My work with family support agencies has taught me that everyone is on the greater spectrum of life and autism can often yield a super-ability that is perceived by society as a disability,” Strumpf said. “We all fear what we do not understand. My goal is to help communicate awareness of talent, diversity and acceptance while finding untapped Golden Value that is right in front of us. It is not a coincidence that the first two letters of Autism contain the symbol for Gold (Au)!”
Creative Expression on the Spectrum is a program that includes quarterly art events hosted by the Thompson Center which will give people with ASD the opportunity to express themselves through different art projects, including painting, drawing and music. These events will be held throughout Columbia and will serve as an opportunity to connect Thompson Center patients and other individuals with ASD with the greater Columbia community.
“Art of all kinds is what I believe leads to passion-based life-long learning,” Strumpf said. “This is what leads to an individual’s realization of the ‘why.’ I believe that people with autism are searching for the ‘why’ and we all are poor communicators on this topic. The more we can do to allow exploration, self-expression and advancement of the arts—the higher quality of life will become probable for everyone. The bigger question should be ‘why not?!’”
The first Creative Expression on the Spectrum event will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Oct. 17 at the Thompson Center Research & Training Facility (across the parking lot to the main Thompson Center clinic building.) All Thompson Center patients and their families are invited to attend. This event has adopted Mizzou’s Homecoming theme “Rhythm of the Roar.” Participants can decorate donated instruments as well as create their own instruments, or participate in other drawing/coloring projects. People of all ages are welcome to attend! All participants also are invited to bring their new instruments and walk or ride with the Thompson Center Homecoming Parade float on the morning of Oct. 21.
For information about Creative Expression on the Spectrum or how you also can support this program or other Thompson Center programs, contact Krista Hughes, hugheskl@health.missouri.edu or 573-884-5164.
