By Lori Jeanne Peloquin, Ph.D and Austin Retzlaff

GLIMPSE 2010 has arrived!  GLIMPSE, an online art and literary magazine, showcases the unique perspective contained in the writings and artwork of individuals with a history of autism and other developmental disabilities.  First published in 2007,  the latest edition of Glimpse is available online at no charge by clicking here.  Previous editions are also available online and can be purchased in a paperback edition from the ICDL Bookstore.

GLIMPSE is a project conceived by Stanley Greenspan and edited by Lori Jeanne Peloquin, an ICDL faculty member and psychologist, and her eighteen-year-old son, Austin Retzlaff. The layout and design are done by Natasha Labbe. It compellingly demonstrates the viewpoints and artistic talents of individuals with autism and other developmental disorders of all ages so that we may gain a GLIMPSE into the rich inner life of these individuals.  Submissions have come from across the U.S. and around the world and contributors have ranged from adults to children as young as four years old.

The artists work in a number of media, and submit photographs of their work. Andrew Randall mixes sand into paint to get the desired effect. William Kerner works by cutting out shapes from construction paper and them arranging them, while his grandmother races to take a photo of the work before it is disassembled. Chen Gershuni works using computer technology to develop his images. A number of the individuals who have contributed art work and writing are non-verbal and communicate through other means, including facilitated communication. Some of the work specifically addresses what it is like to be an individual with a disability, while others are focused on images as varied as the sky, bats, and traffic signals with legs!

GLIMPSE allows us to "catch a glimpse" into the unique perspectives and experiences of these remarkably talented individuals. 

The editors are already seeking submissions for the next issue. Submissions of  poetry, essays, reflections, short stories, photography, and two-dimensional artwork on any subject are welcome. To view the submission guidelines and previous issues click here. Contact Glimpse@icdl.com for more information.  

Click on the image above to view the 2010 GLIMPSE