My 6-Year-Old With Autism Creates Stunning Art And Angelina Jolie Just Bought Her Painting!
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The story of Iris Grace and her best friend Thula has been told on Bored Panda before but what came afterwards was incredible.
Iris, a six-year-old with autism found her voice through painting and her faithful companion. The word spread across the globe, Iris and Thula were sending out a strong message – that different is brilliant. Her artwork has been bought by collectors, including Angelina Jolie. For the first time our family took a trip abroad to Stockholm, a remarkable achievement for a little girl who was once isolated at home unable to speak or be around others.
Now talking, reading and enjoying her home education it’s a different story. I decided to tell our story in our first book ‘Iris Grace’. 3 artists have come together, the painter, the photographer and the illustrator, through words and pictures you will be transported into Iris’s world with the help of Thula, their trusty feline artist assistant. 42 beautiful paintings, 15 illustrations and loads of photos make this an extraordinary memoir to treasure forever. I wanted to raise awareness of autism, to show people that there can be a future, a bright one. The techniques that work for Iris may not work with every child but I do believe there is always a key – it is about following the lead of your child.
More info: Amazon | irisgracepainting.com | Facebook
The story of my 6-year-old daughter with autism and her best friend Thula has been told on Bored Panda before and what came afterwards was incredible
The word spread across the globe, Iris and Thula were sending out a strong message – that different is brilliant
Iris is an excellent example of the unexpected gifts that autism can also grant
Her exceptional focus and attention to details have helped her create incredibly beautiful paintings
She found her voice through painting and her faithful companion – Thula, the artist assistant
Iris’s artwork has been bought by collectors before, but one of the biggest surprises was Angelina Jolie!
‘Sunflakes’ by Iris Grace
For the first time our family took a trip abroad to Stockholm, a remarkable achievement for a little girl who was once isolated at home unable to speak or be around others
Now talking, reading and enjoying her home education it’s a different story
I love that we don’t have to conform, we can just go with the flow and follow Iris and she is happy
She’s is more responsive, calm and easy when I set up ‘playrooms’ within the garden or even sometimes out in the countryside…
…and of course wherever we go, Thula comes with us
Even going on bike rides…
…or for a swim
Autism has opened up my perceptions of how you can teach a child
It doesn’t have to be in a classroom it can be wherever the child is most comfortable, using their own interests to inspire them
So I decided to tell our story in our first book
‘Blossom in the Wind’ one of 42 paintings in the book
3 artists have come together, the painter, the photographer and the illustrator
We told her story through words and pictures with the help of Thula, her trusty feline artist assistant
I wanted to raise awareness of autism, to show people that there can be a future, a bright one
The techniques that work for Iris may not work with every child but I do believe there is always a key
It is about following the lead of your child
‘Dance to the Oboe’ by Iris Grace
‘Thula Mtwana’ by Iris Grace
‘Dancing in Snowflakes’ by Iris Grace
‘Meadow Foxtail’ by Iris Grace
‘Trumpet’ by Iris Grace
‘Under the Sea’ by Iris Grace
Highlights of Iris and Thula
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Or Iris even noticing the cat? Which is not to say that it couldn't be a totally magical relationship. Yet ... as a parent of a child "on the spectrum", I can say that this is NOT exactly a typical view of autism (if there even is such a thing as "typical" in the autism world). In the popular press, those with autism are so frequently portrayed as having some incredible gift — and some certainly do, but a small percentage. Those gifted autistics naturally get all the exposure. The reality for many is a very different, and very mundane struggle, not worthy of online videos, or Facebook posts, or the attention of art collectors. Just a very, very challenging struggle.
Hi Beth, I hope you have read all you can about Iris Grace and the "therapy" cat Thula. It is a beautiful story. On a different level, I support what the parents are doing as far as facebook, videos and the like is concerned. They are showing what works for them. Perhaps it does not work for anyone else, but can be used as an idea or stepping stone. I firmly believe that sharing this story in whatever way possible can only be for the betterment of us all on this earth.
Thank you Beth Howard for your response. I find the romanticism of this article almost offensive. It's apparent that only rich people can afford to be this detached from reality. And also, I find "art" in this context very dubious. Jolie' purchase is of no relevance.
Would you listen to yourself, Majda White? I am 31 and I had Aspergers Autism as a child. I find your disregard of the other types of Autism offensive! This article is no way being romanticised, it's struggle parents with functioning autistic children and children with down syndrome face everyday. You have no right to downplay the stuggles of other families just because they are not similar to yours! Whose to say you can't post your own photos and stories? Hey, it's a free world out there! I have my own camera, and one doesn't have to be rich to take brilliant photos like these! Jealous much?
My 25 month old was diagnosed at 21 months with high functioning austism. She is extremely atypical even of ASD. I was shocked by the diagnosis because of one sided views like Beth. My daughter speaks in complete sentences. She smiles and adores people. She would hug a total stranger. She loves kids and always plays together with others. She also is cognitively 5 years old. Because of that she won't play with anyone shorter. The hardest part is as a single mom and survivor of domestic violence, I haven't allowed anyone into my life. I have no friends and no family. My daughter is my crutch. Her social butterfly personality is the only thing that leads to conversation with others for me. And then when I go to the ASD support groups that have been recommended I am outcast and isolated. My daughter isn't like the other kids so their parents ignore me. I'm like the elephant in the room. ASD is a spectrum disorder. No 2 people are alike.
absolutely Beth
Have you seen the older article? Now, I have almost no knowledge of autism but that definitely looks like interactions with the cat. https://www.boredpanda.com/thula-therapy-cat-autistic-artist-iris-grace/
I also noticed that,Iris looks to be inside her own world,not interacting with her cat or anyone else on this video.The cat is the one who creates all the ''magic'' looking at the girl like she adores her,always watching, whatever she is doing,enjoying just to be next to her and keeping at the same time her own personality and mystery.I really loved the paintings,don't know if they are 100% work of Iris,but i love them.
There are pics of Iris cuddling with the cat.
I am so disappointed in the negative comments. Everyone's life and story is different, the take home message is that they are reporting a difference in this child....so why not celebrate it! That is what is most important. Thank you continuing to update us on this little help to send her family.
Autism, no matter what spectrum, affects every child and family. As much as others suffer from a daily violent tantrum or poor motor movements and facial dysmorphia, the struggles raising a child with its own world and unresponsive even to his/her parents are also real. Not everyone's situations are the same. I really hate those commenters who only think there is only one type of Autism and they feel like theirs is the only one worthy of public sympathy. I have Aspergers and no one can tell me my struggles were not real just because it they were not the same for others!
Your disappointment is only yours to bear. Yes everyone's life story is different, come celebrate my child's one too, celebrate his scribbles and smiles! And other thousands of children without gifts :) children and all humans are to be celebrated for simply them being here simply for who they are and not for the gifts or what they do! But we choose some above others who get things in return, like their art being sold and books made about them and so they get money simply because they can do something more. Sure it's great, but the point is missing.
Janine I agree! Whenever, under any circumstance, a child is happy and creative that should be celebrated. This world is so cruel.
What a beautiful and touching story, thank you so much for sharing with us your joy! Your daughter is very talented personality and I'm happy know she has so wonderful faithful companion like Thula! I'm sincerely happy for all your family!
Or Iris even noticing the cat? Which is not to say that it couldn't be a totally magical relationship. Yet ... as a parent of a child "on the spectrum", I can say that this is NOT exactly a typical view of autism (if there even is such a thing as "typical" in the autism world). In the popular press, those with autism are so frequently portrayed as having some incredible gift — and some certainly do, but a small percentage. Those gifted autistics naturally get all the exposure. The reality for many is a very different, and very mundane struggle, not worthy of online videos, or Facebook posts, or the attention of art collectors. Just a very, very challenging struggle.
Hi Beth, I hope you have read all you can about Iris Grace and the "therapy" cat Thula. It is a beautiful story. On a different level, I support what the parents are doing as far as facebook, videos and the like is concerned. They are showing what works for them. Perhaps it does not work for anyone else, but can be used as an idea or stepping stone. I firmly believe that sharing this story in whatever way possible can only be for the betterment of us all on this earth.
Thank you Beth Howard for your response. I find the romanticism of this article almost offensive. It's apparent that only rich people can afford to be this detached from reality. And also, I find "art" in this context very dubious. Jolie' purchase is of no relevance.
Would you listen to yourself, Majda White? I am 31 and I had Aspergers Autism as a child. I find your disregard of the other types of Autism offensive! This article is no way being romanticised, it's struggle parents with functioning autistic children and children with down syndrome face everyday. You have no right to downplay the stuggles of other families just because they are not similar to yours! Whose to say you can't post your own photos and stories? Hey, it's a free world out there! I have my own camera, and one doesn't have to be rich to take brilliant photos like these! Jealous much?
My 25 month old was diagnosed at 21 months with high functioning austism. She is extremely atypical even of ASD. I was shocked by the diagnosis because of one sided views like Beth. My daughter speaks in complete sentences. She smiles and adores people. She would hug a total stranger. She loves kids and always plays together with others. She also is cognitively 5 years old. Because of that she won't play with anyone shorter. The hardest part is as a single mom and survivor of domestic violence, I haven't allowed anyone into my life. I have no friends and no family. My daughter is my crutch. Her social butterfly personality is the only thing that leads to conversation with others for me. And then when I go to the ASD support groups that have been recommended I am outcast and isolated. My daughter isn't like the other kids so their parents ignore me. I'm like the elephant in the room. ASD is a spectrum disorder. No 2 people are alike.
absolutely Beth
Have you seen the older article? Now, I have almost no knowledge of autism but that definitely looks like interactions with the cat. https://www.boredpanda.com/thula-therapy-cat-autistic-artist-iris-grace/
I also noticed that,Iris looks to be inside her own world,not interacting with her cat or anyone else on this video.The cat is the one who creates all the ''magic'' looking at the girl like she adores her,always watching, whatever she is doing,enjoying just to be next to her and keeping at the same time her own personality and mystery.I really loved the paintings,don't know if they are 100% work of Iris,but i love them.
There are pics of Iris cuddling with the cat.
I am so disappointed in the negative comments. Everyone's life and story is different, the take home message is that they are reporting a difference in this child....so why not celebrate it! That is what is most important. Thank you continuing to update us on this little help to send her family.
Autism, no matter what spectrum, affects every child and family. As much as others suffer from a daily violent tantrum or poor motor movements and facial dysmorphia, the struggles raising a child with its own world and unresponsive even to his/her parents are also real. Not everyone's situations are the same. I really hate those commenters who only think there is only one type of Autism and they feel like theirs is the only one worthy of public sympathy. I have Aspergers and no one can tell me my struggles were not real just because it they were not the same for others!
Your disappointment is only yours to bear. Yes everyone's life story is different, come celebrate my child's one too, celebrate his scribbles and smiles! And other thousands of children without gifts :) children and all humans are to be celebrated for simply them being here simply for who they are and not for the gifts or what they do! But we choose some above others who get things in return, like their art being sold and books made about them and so they get money simply because they can do something more. Sure it's great, but the point is missing.
Janine I agree! Whenever, under any circumstance, a child is happy and creative that should be celebrated. This world is so cruel.
What a beautiful and touching story, thank you so much for sharing with us your joy! Your daughter is very talented personality and I'm happy know she has so wonderful faithful companion like Thula! I'm sincerely happy for all your family!