Studio ACE celebrates neurodiversity with inclusive education & equal access to the arts. We offer free in-person art classes for neurodivergent kids & teens (formerly referred to as children and teens with developmental/intellectual disabilities) who need assistance.
Classes will consist of art exploration, sensory integration, and individual interests to enhance the student’s art making process, featuring differentiated art projects with varying multiple mediums weekly. Projects will range from life skill themes (emotions, social skills) to seasonal/holiday themes, to educational themes (letters, numbers, etc.).
Class Details:
Monthly classes are held on the 1st & 3rd Monday of every month (unless noted below), from 4:00-4:45pm.
Upcoming Dates for 2023:
November 6 & 20
December 4 & 18
For kids and teens, ages 6-17.
Limit of 15 students per session.
All students will need to be accompanied by a familiar adult that is at least 18 years of age or older.
All supplies and instructions are included.
The students will have individual freedom in their art process, but students will need their supervisor to help guide and facilitate to keep them on track for success with their individual masterpieces!
Please make sure to read our guidelines for groups visiting Studio ACE (found below the sign up form).
Please sign up for your student/group by filling out the form below. You may sign up for an individual class or for BOTH classes in the month. After submitting the form, you may assume you are registered even if you do not hear from us.
If any students need special accommodations or considerations, please email instructions directly to your instructor at lindsey@studioace.org.
Guidelines For Groups Visiting Studio ACE:
Welcome to Studio ACE! We’re so happy to have your group here!
Studio ACE is dedicated to enriching lives through Arts, Community, and Education. We strive to accommodate your group’s special needs and request that supervising staff and/or parents work cooperatively with Studio ACE Staff to help us provide the best creative experience for all participants.
We thank you in advance for adhering to the following guidelines while your group is at ACE:
Please remain attentive and engage with your students for the duration of the class; demonstrate interest in their projects and encourage them by asking open-ended questions.
Support Studio ACE Staff by assisting as needed and helping to maintain an inclusive, respectful, and creative environment.
Guide and encourage students through tasks they may find challenging, but avoid doing the project for them; sit down, relax, and enjoy the creative process together.
Due to limited space, we ask that support staff and parents sit down during all table activities.
Do not bring food/beverages into the studio unless pre-approved for special classes/events.
Refrain from using your mobile devices, especially for personal business.
Thank you once again for helping us by adhering to the guidelines outlined above. We look forward to collaborating with your group!
Artist & Intructor Lindsey Dezelan
A Note From The Instructor, Lindsey Dezelan:
To me, art is a release. It is a release to be exactly who I am, and what I want to share with the world. I am on my own personal journey of self-growth and exploration. I just moved back to Oceanside from living in Indiana for many years. I taught art at the college level, as well as art to elementary students. I also taught special needs (moderate and severe) for 11 years at the middle school level (6-8th grade). While teaching special needs I integrated art and creativity into all aspects of my curriculum. In my free time I enjoy painting, drawing, and creating jewelry. I also enjoy taking advantage of the beautiful SoCal weather and the endless amounts of scenery and outdoor activities it has to offer. I am truly honored to be working with your student. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at lindsey@studioace.org.
What is Neurodivergent?
Neurodivergent is a nonmedical term that describes people whose brain develops or works differently for some reason. This means the person has different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more typically. While some people who are neurodivergent have medical conditions, it also happens to people where a medical condition or diagnosis hasn’t been identified.
What conditions can a neurodivergent person have?
People who identify themselves as neurodivergent typically have one or more of the conditions or disorders listed below. However, since there aren’t any medical criteria or definitions of what it means to be neurodivergent, other conditions also can fall under this term as well. People with these conditions may also choose not to identify themselves as neurodivergent.
Some of the conditions that are most common among those who describe themselves as neurodivergent include:
Autism spectrum disorder (this includes what was once known as Asperger’s syndrome).
Dyscalculia (difficulty with math).
Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing).
Dyslexia (difficulty with reading).
Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination).
Intellectual disabilities.
Mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and more.
Sensory processing disorders.
Social anxiety (a specific type of anxiety disorder).
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent
Please click the following link to read an article on How Children with Special Needs Can Benefit From Art by Linda Robinson, founder and Executive Director of Able Hire, and organization whose mission is helping people with disabilities build rewarding, successful careers.
“I created Able Hire to help people with disabilities build rewarding, successful careers. As a person with disabilities myself, I understand the challenges people with disabilities face when trying to get hired. I hope Able Hire will be a resource for people with disabilities seeking jobs and for hiring managers seeking a better understanding of what people with disabilities have to offer.” – Linda Robinson
