How The Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia (AACOP) is Changing Neurodiversity in the City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia is known as the “City of Brotherly Love.” Philadelphians are revered (and feared) for having intense pride in their sports, food, and the arts. This city is ingrained in the marrow of those who grew up here. One of those people who was born and raised in this vibrant metropolis. Colleen R. Ott, the Autistic Founder and Executive Director of the Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia (AACOP). She has served her Philadelphia community throughout her life and is now forging a new path for herself in making sure that the neurodivergent population of the city is embraced and celebrated.

Colleen grew up in a time where Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was not discussed, and certainly not celebrated.

 “When I was growing up, the majority of people diagnosed were boys because we [women] are so good at masking…I don’t think my dad never knew [about my autism], but he did things with me that helped and people with autism use today,” she said. “When I was having a meltdown, my dad would come with me to the basement living room and put big headphones on my ears and turn on XPN…Down the shore, no one could get me out of the ocean. Who knew that it was a sensory thing?!” 

As an adult, Colleen has held over 30 different jobs since graduating from college. It wasn’t until 10 years ago that Colleen learned of her ASD diagnosis. This diagnosis was the clarity she needed and expressed that her struggles made sense after learning more about autism. Unfortunately, Colleen has faced discrimination in the workforce due to her disability. This was one catalyst that helped Collen form the AACOP.

Another event that pushed Colleen to create the AACOP was what also changed our society’s entire history—the COVID pandemic. Due to having a previously diagnosed lung condition, and her vast knowledge of viruses as a certified EMT, Colleen knew she needed to be careful with her health. Like many of us, she stayed indoors to protect herself from infection, but instead of working through her Netflix que, Colleen pursued personal goals. 

“When everyone was picking up their Netflix list, I picked up my bucket list. I wrote a book; I have a few music albums; I created the Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia.” 

Another contributing factor that led to the creation of the AACOP was the fact that Colleen was not getting hired for certain art jobs, even though she graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia with a degree in Photography. In true Philadelphia fashion, Colleen said, “Screw it! I did my own thing and that’s how I started the Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia!” 

Colleen wanted to create a space where neurodivergent artists could create together and form a community with peer mentors who are also on the spectrum. Thanks to community leaders Barb Baur (the Manager of the Mural Arts of Philadelphia’s Tacony LAB Center), David A. Karasow, and state representative Joseph C. Hohenstein, Colleen was able to secure space at the Tacony LAB Center for her artists. The AACOP was permitted to meet bi-weekly in the space, which is utilized by many other groups within the community. 

The AACOP has been received with open arms by many within the community. Autistic artists from all over the Philadelphia area come to the Tacony LAB to learn new forms of art and celebrate their gifts within this community. Colleen hosts art shows of the members’ favorite artwork, and has even shown art from an international member! (In fact, there are rumors that some art from the AACOP will be shown at CHOP in University City AND the Please Touch Museum—both well known for their work with the Autism community). Not only is Colleen proud that these art shows have become more well known, but she is also hopeful that, due to her relationship with the Mural Arts of Philadelphia, her artists will be able to contribute to a mural in Philadelphia celebrating neurodiversity. 

Currently, the AACOP relies on art supply donations (NOT monetary donations) so that creators have enough mediums to use during the bi-weekly meetings. To make an art supply donation, you can bring them to the Tacony LAB Center at 6918 Torresdale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19135, or contact me at most.au.some.journey@gmail.com  for coordination.