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Patrick and His Chalk

September 3, 2013 By Jodi Murphy 6 Comments

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Patrick

Autistic and non-verbal, Patrick would be out on the driveway with his parents and hand them chalk so he could look at the words they’d write. He was only 3 at the time, but hyperlexic (an intense fascination with letters or numbers and an advanced reading ability) and this was his way of reaching out to communicate. His parents would write letters, numbers, and words and Patrick would point to what he wanted. Soon, he began to write requests in chalk all by himself. When he needed something he realized writing in chalk would work…”hey, if I write chips, I get chips.” And he also discovered he could emulate some of the constant pictures he takes in his mind.

At the time he was really into Disney and Charlie Brown movies so that is what he started drawing. As he has aged his drawings have started becoming multi-dimensional and still try to duplicate what he has photographed in his mind.

Now at 5, Patrick is really into playgrounds, trains and General Mills cereal varieties. He has memorized the US map and is trying to perfect the shapes of every state. Drawing with chalk, continually provides him with calming sensory input and so much pleasure and pride.

Like his parents, we are so proud of Patrick and want to help share his work with the world:

Train Station

Train Station

Like so many on the spectrum, he has a love of all things train! We will be celebrating his 6th birthday on a train this year.

5.0

5.0

I did not even realize he paid attention to the police cars but he does. One of his favorite thing to draw is cars. Cars going to buildings, hospitals. museums. Just moving cars. I love how in this one the whole family is along for the ride!

McDs

mcds

Does it need explaining? Ha he loves the happy meal. Between you and I, I think he gives McD’s a lot of credit here with his hamburger!

Taxis

Taxis

I love this one because it shows busy streets. When we drive he just stares out the window and watches the world go by. I feel like this is how he sees it.

Froot Loops

Froot Loops

He loves cereal. One of his favorite things in the world is cereal. So, he of course tries to match it up just right to what is on the box.

If you liked this post, you may also like:

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Filed Under: Blog Haps, Mighty League Tagged With: autism, chalk art, hyperlexia, patrick and the chalk

About Jodi Murphy

Jodi Murphy is the founder of Geek Club Books, a registered nonprofit committed to creating a world where autistic individuals are fully accepted, valued and have a voice. Her priority is bringing autistic individuals creative and leadership opportunities that are meaningful, empowering and support their advocacy. She works with a creative autistic team to produce pop culture-based autism awareness education that is innovative, engaging, positive and opens hearts and minds to a new way of thinking about autism. Sign up for Geek Club Books mailing list for free apps, resource guides, curriculum, audio stories and more: https://geekclubbooks.com/autism-bundle.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Patrick and his family are GREAT!! I love having him come into the salon (Kids Kuts Salon)! He brightens my day, then I usually get to see my logo on Facebook after a visit! He’s an amazing boy!!!

    Reply
    • Jodi Murphy says

      September 3, 2013 at 5:42 pm

      That is wonderful. Patrick has really tugged at my heart strings 🙂

      Reply
  2. Joan E. Dieball says

    September 4, 2013 at 12:29 am

    He is the cutest little guy and very talented, I love his artwork.

    Reply
  3. Miss Sarah says

    October 11, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    I’ve spent a lot of time with this kiddo and his mind is amazing. I always enjoyed spending time with him and watching him grow. He has always been my little Charlie Brown!

    Reply
    • Jodi Murphy says

      October 11, 2013 at 6:13 pm

      I love how he communicates through his chalk! You can see his brilliant mind at work 🙂

      Reply
  4. Alicia Bendord says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:53 am

    So so cute.

    Reply

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