Adrian and his art

By Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary

During our coffee break from one of the sessions in the Chapter Leaders Conference, Grace showed me a collection of photos from her file. Grace Adviento is ASP's National President and is an avid photographer. The photos are of her son Adrian, with autism.

Adrian is now in Grade 2 at New Era University. He first took the liking for drawing at a young age and would get his sister Amanda’s pencils to doodle on their bedroom wall. Grace doesn’t want to erase his early works and believes Adrian should be encouraged, rather than scolded.

From doodling on the wall, Grace diverted Adrian to draw on paper instead. She bought him crayons and eventually water color, since it’s more free-flowing. Brushes and bottles of paint become Adrian’s favorite pastime. This also addresses his fine motor skills and concentration. "I notice that Adrian is calm when he paints and even sings, so I know he's enjoying what he does," said Mom Grace.

These pictures say a thousand words.

Artist at work

Adrian decides to mix colors

Adrian’s Masterpieces

This weekend, gather round your family. Include your child with autism. Collect art materials like paper, crayons, watercolor and what have you. Paint your masterpieces and paste them around your family room or refrigerator door. Take photos of them and make a scrapbook. Consider this your family bonding time.

ASP continues to believe that children with autism will thrive, give the right opportunities. May this article serve as an inspiration for your families as well. Sign up now for the next Family Support Group. Call us 7-903-5496 or email us at autismphils@gmail.com.

Posted in: art