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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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!!!
That is wonderful. Patrick has really tugged at my heart strings 🙂
He is the cutest little guy and very talented, I love his artwork.
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!
I love how he communicates through his chalk! You can see his brilliant mind at work 🙂
So so cute.