ABSTRACT
Dan Miller is a 53-year-old man on the autism spectrum diagnosed with a seizure disorder. His seizures have caused him to fall on several occasions, which is the reason that he wears a bicycle helmet at Creative Growth. His helmet has become an endearing accessory and as identifiable as his textual paintings and drawings. Director Tom di Maria calls Miller’s introduction to art accidental. He spent school hours in special education classes and weekends in his uncle’s hardware store. As an adult, he attended a day center in Castor Valley in which the staff noted his drawing skills and contacted Creative Growth. Miller lives as a legal adult at his caretaker’s private home with two other clients, and uses assisted transportation to commute to Creative Growth. His mother passed away in 2002, but his sister Cara lives nearby and he visits her often. The Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) acts as a representative payee for Miller’s social security benefits and makes sure that funds are handled appropriately. The RCEB funds a case manager who visits the facility at least four times a year to monitor services. According to their 2010–2012 annual review, Miller requires staff assistance when visiting the local community—which he enjoys fully—because he lacks safety awareness. Also, according to the RCEB, he has a history of aggression when upset, but these outbursts no longer occur.
