Artistic Talent in “Autistic” Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

The primary consequence of a diagnosis of “infantile autism” has been to focus, almost exclusively, upon a segment of the child rather than the whole person. The functions typically selected for attention reflect a “pathology perspective” which fails to capture the complexity of a human being. However, as “normality” cannot be effectively assessed without considering liability, “autism” cannot be fully understood without exploring potential. When the appropriate atmosphere is established, considerable artistic talent can be elicited in “autistic” adolescents and young adults. The art of three “autistic” young men has been selected to demonstrate-parallel to the growth of all artists-the development of a variety of personal styles each of which interprets life in a unique way. The unfolding process provides evidence of conscious intention and of increasing technical skill with the medium of paint and canvas. At the present time, these individuals exhibit a sensitive awareness of the world and an effort to communicate to others in both their paintings and their discussions with the staff. In addition, the communicative effectiveness of their compositions is apparent in the degree of interest aroused in other artists and in the wider community which has culminated in a series of public exhibits.

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