You Rock!

Design with a purpose

ROCK what you’ve GOT!

That’s our message, that’s our mission.

  • MnemeTherapy for Special Kids

    From Noell Hammer:

    Art Without Boundaries exists because a mom asked, “Will this therapy work with autistic kids?” My answer was, “Let’s find out!” She came to my house with her 10 year old non-verbal daughter and then called me three days later with the news: “Cara just said two, five word sentences. Can we come back?”

    I decided that if it helped kids, it was worth investing my life into and I started writing the curriculum.

    Special Garden Collection celebrates these precious minds, hungry to grow and experience all that life holds for them. You can see Cara in our documentary.

    Encore Design below.

  • Rock What You've Got!

    I’ve chosen to name the Encore Designs with Rock and Roll song titles to underscore our message: Rock what you’ve got! Be the best YOU that you can BE! Don’t let other’s opinion define you or lock you in place.

    Studies have shown that teens with intellectual disabilities assess their self-concept more negatively than typically developing students. Creating a beautiful painting that others admire can boost self-esteem and send an important message: You can accomplish more!

    The thought “I can do it” is crucial for success because it fuels motivation and persistence, leading to greater chances of achieving goals.

    But the real work is done within the brain, in an amazing dance called neuroplasticity creating new neural pathways and strengthening existing ones, allowing for adaptation and change.

    Encore Design below.

  • What a smile!

    I will never forget this little girl. She had cerebral palsy and could only move her tiny hands a few inches either way. So I just moved the painting! She had never been able to do anything but make a few strokes, so when she saw the painting she screamed in delight, “Everybody, see this!! Come see this!” She just couldn’t stop smiling. I”m so glad I had my camera and got this picture.

    Encore Design below.

  • Blue Bayou

    Blue Bayou , 1977 cover by Linda Ronstadt, written and originally recorded by Roy Orbison in 1963

    Encore Design from the original painting (above)

    To make the cut, the design has to work as both wall art and for clothing and accessories. Some work for one and not the other. This one works for both.

  • Riders on the Storm

    Riders on the Storm recorded by the Doors in 1971

    When I’m trying to find that sweet spot in the design, I remember that its the process of letting go that makes this work in the painting and also in life. Holding on to old hurts, unhealthy habits, toxic people and wrong beliefs frees me to move forward. Cropping out the unnecessary parts frees the design to shine.

  • Blackbird

    Blackbird was written by Paul McCartney and recorded by the Beatles in 1968 about the Civil Rights movement in the US south.

    Every time I start the process of finding the design, it always ends with a surprise. The first attempt may not look like much, but when I crop, moving it around the page, looking for the “sweet spot” out it pops, and I get that tickle every artist knows:. That’s it.

Elena ROCKS it!

  • Plex finds Breakfast

    From Noell Hammer:

    Every MnemeTherapy client is unique because every brain is uniquely wired. It’s the job of the MnemeTherapist is to collect the clues, putting together a map of how to move from point A to point B. With kids on the spectrum, in addition to the painting process, the MnemeTherapist invents games and activities that target specific issues such as following instructions, focus, attention, mimicking, language skills, and facial clues.

    Elena is my client and I see her weekly. Our favorite game is Shadow. As she follows the movements of my hands, it ticks all the boxes: focus, attention, mimicking, proprioception and following directions.

    Her parents have reported improvements at both school and home.

    Name and picture used with permission.

    Encore design below.

  • Plex sleeps in a Tree

    Story telling is an important part of MnemeTherapy, especially for kids on the spectrum, who struggle with communication. We can use the process to boost imagination, foster language development, expand vocabulary, learn new grammatical structures and practice using language in a meaningful context.

    Many ASD kids also struggle with non-verbal communication. Storytelling can help them develop a better understanding of non-verbal cues and social signals such as facial expressions and body language.

    Our sweet Elena struggled with communication and now surprises me every time with twists and turns in a complex story, as you can see from the title, Plex Sleeps in a Tree.

    Encore Design below.

  • Speedy DeeDee finds a Puppy

    Research tells us that in addition to communication, that by engaging in storytelling, autistic children can develop empathy, and build confidence in social interactions.

    In this session we started with the question, “Where did these flowers come from?” and ends up with Speedy DeeDee rescuing a puppy!

    Encore Design below.

  • Eye of the Tiger

    Eye of the Tiger by Survivor 1982

    Encore Design from the original painting (above)

    To make the cut, the design has to work as both wall art and for clothing and accessories. Some work for one and not the other.

  • Cherry Red

    Cherry Red by the BeeGees, recorded in 1966

    Around 95% of children with autism process sensory information differently, affecting their senses.

    MnemeTherapy uses movements that stimulates the proprioceptive system and improves their perception and motor skills. That’s why you will see lots of tress and flowers so we can use “UP UP! UP! (scraping) and bounce! bounce! bounce! (paintbrush) on leaves and flowers.

    Want to learn more about proprioceptive dysfuntion? https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-proprioceptive-input/

  • Every Rose Has It's Thorn

    Every Rose Has It’s Thorn, #1 hit of 1988 by American metal band, Poison

    Every time I start the process, it always ends with a surprise. The first attempt may not look like much, but when I crop, moving it around the page, looking for the “sweet spot” out it pops, and I get that tickle every artist knows:. That’s it.

    This one by Elena had sweet spot written over the whole design. The title says it all.

  • Why Rock and Roll Titles?

    Rock what you’ve got is our message and our mission.

    Individuals with neurological challenges often experience reduced self-esteem due to the physical, cognitive, and social impacts of their conditions. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming relationships.

    Individuals on the autism spectrum may experience difficulties with motivation, planning, and prioritization due to a dopamine deficiency.

  • More than a Feeling

    Studies have shown that the positive experience during and after a MnemeTherapy session produces the much needed neurotransmitter, dopamine,which is a key factor in the working of central nervous system. It is essential for regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including motor control, reward processing, mood regulation, and decision-making. 

    Bottom Line: Dopamine is released when we experience pleasure, achieve goals, or anticipate rewards, contributing to feelings of motivation and a sense of accomplishment, which can positively influence self-perception and self-esteem. 

  • Don't Stop Believing

    Kids are not alone in feelings of isolation and poor self-esteem.

    Traumatic brain injury can damage the dopamine system, leading to changes in dopamine levels and affecting cellular function, contributing to inflammation, and potentially leading to deficits in cognitive function. 

    In Alzheimer's disease, a significant decrease in dopamine levels and dysfunction of the dopaminergic system are observed, contributing to cognitive decline and other symptoms.  ​

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