This story originated from Sol del Valle and has been translated for our English readers.
Gerardo Santillan is a 17-year-old young man with autism who, with the support of his family and a few other people along his journey, has dedicated himself to creating art from a very early age. Sol del Valle conducted an interview with Santillan and his mother, Erika Vargas.
How did the art that Gerardo creates first come about?
Erika Vargas: When he was in elementary school, we met Shelly, a paraprofessional and an angel on our path. She helped him a lot. Gerardo began communicating with her through drawings. Then they started creating stories together. I think it’s his way of communicating with us because he does it through different expressions. He’s always created characters, but now he creates stories.
Gerardo, what inspires your art?
Gerardo: Garfield, Ice Age, Boomerang, Nickelodeon, Disney.
Erika: If he’s watching a Disney movie, he cuts out the part he likes and recreates that scene with other materials. Sometimes he uses cereal boxes, DVDs, takes some photos, transfers them to his iPad and starts working.
What is one of your greatest strengths?
Gerardo: Technology.
Erika: I always asked them to focus on his strengths in school. I asked them to help me refine them, and I want Gerardo to be as independent as possible and to be able to take care of himself at some point. My goal is for him to create a channel and find online opportunities, to grow in this field so he can have the tools to move forward.
It’s difficult not to feel fear. I ask that we have more empathy for children with autism and that there is more inclusion from society toward them. At some point, I was told that instead of him adjusting to my world, I should learn to understand his. Anything is possible. They told me he wouldn’t talk and wouldn’t do many things, and here we are. I invite everyone to help pave the way for our children. We can do it!
World Autism Awareness Day was commemorated on April 2 with the goal of encouraging people to take actions that raise awareness and increase understanding of autism spectrum conditions. Join us to celebrate and learn more about Autism Awareness throughout the month of April.