332Kviews
Loving Dad Starts Documenting Unique Habits Of His Autistic Son, And It Changes Their Lives
Loving father and photographer Thimothy Archibald started capturing his autistic child's unique habits on camera as a way of dealing with his son's diagnosis. But, what was supposed to be a simple documentation, turned out to be much more. Not only did he learn more about his son's unique world, but the father-son photo project brought them closer together. Thimothy, as a pro photographer, had to learn to stop trying to control situations by letting his son take the lead.
The then 5-year-old autistic boy named Elijah was obsessed with mechanical objects, had a need for repetition and was socially withdrawn. Each shot that his father took reflects both Elija's unique habits and his interaction with the world around him. "I never wanted [Eli] to think that he was normal. I wanted him to be aware of how different he was and see that as an asset," Archibald said.
The whole photo series has been turned into a book titled 'Echolilia'. You can purchase it through Archibald's website.
More info: timothyarchibald.com | echolilia.com (h/t: mymodernmet)
This post may include affiliate links.
It works wonders! Also helps people with anxiety and panic attacks! My husband holds me really tight when I'm having one and it helps like you would not believe. I learnt this technique from a little man I worked with who had aspergers. He taught me so much and how to control my own emotions. ❤️
Load More Replies...
Yeah, I've always loved small enclosed spaces, I can block everything out and relax. A few months after receiving my second diagnosis I also found out that I have an aversion to yellow light and that's why I can't stay outside for long before getting headaches from over stimulation. I like to withdraw to small dark spots so much so, I've designed a fully enclosed computer cabinet that hopefully I can build one day.
There was an autistic kid that came to our pool when I was a lifeguard. He would go underwater smiling and stay under for so long that I had to watch him to make sure that he was OK. I heard that it had something to do with the pressure on her ears, but now I'm wondering if it had anything to do with stimuli, you can't hear much when you're underwater .
My daughter did this... Very calming. We built a special room just for her and her different ways of dealing with the world. It was heaven sent. Beautiful photos that tell a powerful story.
Not autistic but when I get very stressed it calms me to curl up in a snug space
I'm also not autistic but I still find myself curling under my dresser in the dark when I can't handle my emotions.
Load More Replies...
Temple Grandin an autistic lady invented an enclosed walkway which calmed the cattle, as they walked to wherever, she went to college and built herself a wooden crate that she would get in when feeling stressed.
This shot is so beautifully poignant, capturing the person seeking solace and peace from the outside world.
I used to do that, i'd lay down a blanket in my toybox and sleep in it.
comfort of the womb? where there was just the child no unusual sights or sounds and the sound of the mothers heartbeat. some autistic children imitate the rythm of a heartbeat while tapping
I am in tears, kinda just had to go for a walk and compose myself. My 8 year old son has autism and looks so much like Elijah. His name is Alessio. I have observed and seen him do almost all of these scenarios. The way he sleeps, the way he seeks deep pressure from objects or holds onto toys for long periods of time, the way he will deeply inhale when smelling something new, the way he will pour water into empty coke bottles and press his little nose against it and study toys inside as they magnify. Thank you for this beautiful post Timothy! xxx
I used to do this as a kid, too. I'm not on the Autism spectrum.
A unique view of the world. Bet he sees something different in each and every square
That's one beautiful shot the calmness and natural comfort with nature-
My son who turns 32 at the end of the month sleeps like this ...I always want to put my arms around him and tell him it will be ok
Very raw emotional photos, You captured the isolation but yet your son's connection with nature shines through at the same time <3
My girl who is also autistic, paints my nails and does make up and my hair. Love it,, but I sometimes forget I have it on me so I go grocery shopping with 20 pins/clips in my hair. I'm a 40 year old man, and my wife doesn't warn me before I leave the house.
My 15 yr old son is autistic. Every autistic person finds their own way to interact with and cope with the world. I wish I could be my son for even one day, so I could better understand how he perceives the world. I know it is a constant struggle for him, but I dont know why. He can speak, but cannot put into words how he feels. I STILL search for the way that I might be able to help to ease his burden, but each time I have tried, I only make things worse or frustrate him. Thank you for sharing these very personal moments with us.
This may not be, but I feel like he is uncomfortable with the overcast. I'm very sensory, and overcast is unbearable.
My nephew has played with tools since he was 2. He's now 6, and was recently diagnosed as high functioning autistic. Tools are his love language. :)
To me, one of the interesting things is that I've done all of those at least a couple times when I was a kid. I presume that Elijah does it a lot more, but it makes the point that autism can be part of the normal human variation -- sure, pretty far off on one end of the bell curve, definitely different than most of us, but still within the normal range of human experience.
Amazingly emotional & sweet! a real insight into his world of isolation.
Very powerful. Father and son are equally as lucky to have each other
I know nothing about autism, I have a grandson that is going on 17,I think may have it , but doc's say no, his has an anti social problem. He does so many of what this child is doing..instead of the naked an curling up, he wraps tightly in a blanket.For some reason he has been drawn to me, I am his step grandma,, and never seen me till last year. he does not like been touched or hugged, yet he will sit next to me and put my arm around him and play with my hair, he calls me every day when not around me, and wants me to help him with his problems, as he says everyone is fake but me,, I don't understand this..but give him the love i can,and when around the other kids, he gets a little upset if i hug them longer seem to pay them to much attention.i have told the other kids,when he isn't around, that I Love them all just as much, but when he is around please don't get upset with your brothers he has some problems you don't have. and needs the attention.
An inspiringly poignant work of art. Deserves a spot at a photo gallery.
I don't see what's so special about these. I think people all just assume it's profound or feel they have to like it.
It's not the photo itself it's the picture of complete isolation that the photo presents... these photos are giving a pure and innocent insight into this child world!
Load More Replies...
This is a very pretty boy (: I hope he finds a way to alleviate his loneliness. It hurts to see.
We need more awareness about Autism ...to understand more of their behavior and know the proper approach if the kid shows behavior not appropriate in our society we'll know what to do and can help them in a manner that they will understand.
My favorite part of this, i think, is that it shows the real, naked truth. I constantly say that my son does cute things, but i cannot share them because he is rarely wearing clothes. We've tried to keep him dressed, but it is frequently a losing fight. He doesn't strip art the grocery store out school anymore, so we count that as a victory.
To me, one of the interesting things is that I've done all of those at least a couple times when I was a kid. I presume that Elijah does it a lot more, but it makes the point that autism can be part of the normal human variation -- sure, pretty far off on one end of the bell curve, definitely different than most of us, but still within the normal range of human experience.
Having an autism spectrum disorder myself, I can relate to most if not all of these in some way. Or at least in terms of having behaviors and habits deemed as "strange" or "abnormal" by the society. This post is a great tool for advocating autism spectrum awareness. Thank you Bored Panda for this article!
I thank you for baring your & his soul with your photographs. His persona seems flawlessly captured in such a perfect manner - that he seems to speak to you about his unspoken world.
This is a very pretty boy (: I hope he finds a way to alleviate this loneliness. It hurts to see.
Really beautifully shot images portraying autism in a very honest manner. Thanks for sharing.
I wish I knew what he's thinking though.. These pictures are great of course, but it would be nice to know how he feels about the world.
Man, these photos are really powerful! What a great work! Hope it turns great for Eli!
There's no report, no conference & no expert on "Autism Spectrum Disorder" who's ever as eloquently illuminated what autism means to us ...
This kid knows how to make himself feel safe. That's a great accomplishment.
To me, They all resemble or mimic being in the womb, ( laying in the grass ) they are beautiful!
The most incredible, emotional and fascinating thing I've seen till now.... thank you for sharing.
I love the message but... it is a child with autism not an "autistic child ". It would be rude to call a lady with cancer a "cancer lady". Likewise a child may have autism or be on the autism spectrum, but there cannot be an autistic child.
nas an autistic person the autistic community in general prefer "autsitic" to "with autism"
Load More Replies... 
It should not be kept alive. Rationalism, that's what today's society desperately needs. Libtards and human rights advocates are not capable to understand something as simple as geometric progression, and soon there will be more retards than normal people. But then again -it's their tribe, so it's understandable.
Most autistic self advocates prefer "identity first" over "person first" language, in the same way the Deaf community and LGBT communities do. In other words, rather than see autism as something separate from the self, it is an intrinsic part of who you are: not a person with gayness but a gay person, a Deaf person, an autistic person.
Load More Replies...
Amazingly emotional & sweet! a real insight into his world of isolation.
Very powerful. Father and son are equally as lucky to have each other
I know nothing about autism, I have a grandson that is going on 17,I think may have it , but doc's say no, his has an anti social problem. He does so many of what this child is doing..instead of the naked an curling up, he wraps tightly in a blanket.For some reason he has been drawn to me, I am his step grandma,, and never seen me till last year. he does not like been touched or hugged, yet he will sit next to me and put my arm around him and play with my hair, he calls me every day when not around me, and wants me to help him with his problems, as he says everyone is fake but me,, I don't understand this..but give him the love i can,and when around the other kids, he gets a little upset if i hug them longer seem to pay them to much attention.i have told the other kids,when he isn't around, that I Love them all just as much, but when he is around please don't get upset with your brothers he has some problems you don't have. and needs the attention.
An inspiringly poignant work of art. Deserves a spot at a photo gallery.
I don't see what's so special about these. I think people all just assume it's profound or feel they have to like it.
It's not the photo itself it's the picture of complete isolation that the photo presents... these photos are giving a pure and innocent insight into this child world!
Load More Replies... This is a very pretty boy (: I hope he finds a way to alleviate his loneliness. It hurts to see.
We need more awareness about Autism ...to understand more of their behavior and know the proper approach if the kid shows behavior not appropriate in our society we'll know what to do and can help them in a manner that they will understand.
My favorite part of this, i think, is that it shows the real, naked truth. I constantly say that my son does cute things, but i cannot share them because he is rarely wearing clothes. We've tried to keep him dressed, but it is frequently a losing fight. He doesn't strip art the grocery store out school anymore, so we count that as a victory.
To me, one of the interesting things is that I've done all of those at least a couple times when I was a kid. I presume that Elijah does it a lot more, but it makes the point that autism can be part of the normal human variation -- sure, pretty far off on one end of the bell curve, definitely different than most of us, but still within the normal range of human experience.
Having an autism spectrum disorder myself, I can relate to most if not all of these in some way. Or at least in terms of having behaviors and habits deemed as "strange" or "abnormal" by the society. This post is a great tool for advocating autism spectrum awareness. Thank you Bored Panda for this article!
I thank you for baring your & his soul with your photographs. His persona seems flawlessly captured in such a perfect manner - that he seems to speak to you about his unspoken world.
This is a very pretty boy (: I hope he finds a way to alleviate this loneliness. It hurts to see.
Really beautifully shot images portraying autism in a very honest manner. Thanks for sharing.
I wish I knew what he's thinking though.. These pictures are great of course, but it would be nice to know how he feels about the world.
Man, these photos are really powerful! What a great work! Hope it turns great for Eli!
There's no report, no conference & no expert on "Autism Spectrum Disorder" who's ever as eloquently illuminated what autism means to us ...
This kid knows how to make himself feel safe. That's a great accomplishment.
To me, They all resemble or mimic being in the womb, ( laying in the grass ) they are beautiful!
The most incredible, emotional and fascinating thing I've seen till now.... thank you for sharing.
I love the message but... it is a child with autism not an "autistic child ". It would be rude to call a lady with cancer a "cancer lady". Likewise a child may have autism or be on the autism spectrum, but there cannot be an autistic child.
nas an autistic person the autistic community in general prefer "autsitic" to "with autism"
Load More Replies... It should not be kept alive. Rationalism, that's what today's society desperately needs. Libtards and human rights advocates are not capable to understand something as simple as geometric progression, and soon there will be more retards than normal people. But then again -it's their tribe, so it's understandable.
Most autistic self advocates prefer "identity first" over "person first" language, in the same way the Deaf community and LGBT communities do. In other words, rather than see autism as something separate from the self, it is an intrinsic part of who you are: not a person with gayness but a gay person, a Deaf person, an autistic person.
Load More Replies...