Sylviana Hamdani

(Contributor/Jakarta)

Children with autism often have hidden artistic talents that can be uncovered with the right approach

Anugrah Fadly stood between the paintings exhibited during the “Bianglala Seribu Imajinasi” (Ferris Wheel of a Thousand Imaginations), an art exhibition by Yayasan Autisma Indonesia (Indonesia Autism Foundation, YAI) in Bentara Budaya Jakarta on Apr. 8 with a big smile. 

One of his paintings, a 100 x 70-centimeter acrylic on canvas titled “Pendidikan Robot” (Robot Education, 2023), portrays a giant droid standing amid colorful houses. 

According to the artist, the robot represents the Zoom app many depended on during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Zoom replaced the role of teachers during the pandemic,” the artist, nicknamed Uga, said during an interview with The Jakarta Post. 

“And Uga painted it in just two hours,” Samodro, the artist’s father, who was standing beside him, said. 

Anugrah is indeed very talented. The artist paints beautiful clay, wood, stone and metal sculptures. And despite his autism, the 25-year-old has just graduated from the Indonesia Institute of Arts (ISI) in Yogyakarta with flying colors. 

“Parents’ love, acceptance and support are key to children with autism in finding and developing their talents,” Melly Budhiman, psychiatrist and cofounder of the YAI, said. 

From weakness to strength

For parents, raising children with autism and nurturing their talents is not an easy task. 

“I think almost all parents of children with autism have experienced being summoned to school only to be told that their children cannot cope [with normal education] and have to be expelled,” Sofwan Farisyi, father of teenage artist with autism Muhammad Salman Farisyi, said in a talk show in Bentara Budaya Jakarta on Apr. 8. 

“Through it all, we as parents must be sure of our children and be able to tweak their weaknesses into strengths.” 

Sofwan introduced art as therapy to his son in 2020. Salman immediately loved it. The young artist started painting many different objects from his surroundings. He was captivated by sakura trees during a trip to Japan and started painting them. 

“[Sakura trees] have now become his signature style,” Sofwan said. 

The 14-year-old artist displayed his paintings in several exhibitions, including his solo show at Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel Jakarta in Dec. 2022. 

“We returned to Japan earlier this year and met with Japanese artists that specialized in [painting] sakura trees,” Sofwan said. “They’ve invited [Salman] to exhibit his works with them in Kyoto Art this year.” 

Anugrah’s and Salman’s success looks fascinating but it is all the result of many years of commitment and hard work between these young artists and their loving parents. 

Below are some tips on how to explore and develop artistic talent in children with autism.

Early detection is key

As with any health issue, early detection is vital in managing autism.  

“Parents have to be very vigilant with their children during their early development stages,” Melly said. “They must be wary and immediately consult a doctor for any developmental delay.” 

Children with autism usually have speech delays. They also show little or no interest in interacting with others. 

“It’s important to diagnose [autism] before the age of three so that we can conduct the right therapy and maximize their capabilities,” the psychiatrist said.

Art as therapy

Art is usually an effective therapy for children with autism as they are often more visual and express their ideas and feelings better in drawings. 

“[Drawing] can also help them become calmer and focused,” Timotius Suwarsito, known as Kak Toto, an art tutor specializing in children with autism, said. 

According to the art tutor, it is essential to introduce children with autism to many different art media from early childhood. 

“Allow them to play around with clay, crayons, pencils and paints from a young age,” Kak Toto said. “Then, we’ll see in which [medium] they work most happily and willingly for a long time. That’s usually where their talents lie.” 

Build a support system around your child

From a young age, Anugrah loved playing with paints in his father’s art studio. 

“Uga loved to paint fish, bicycles and robots as a toddler,” Samodro said. 

Recognizing his son’s artistic talents, Samodro, a visual arts lecturer, taught him to paint and sculpt. And after Anugrah graduated from senior high school, Samodro enrolled him in ISI Yogyakarta. 

“All his friends and lecturers [at ISI Yogyakarta] are very supportive of Uga and encourage his talents to grow,” Samodro said. 

Samodro also introduced his son to circles of artists in Yogyakarta to help nurture his career. 

“Approximately 98 percent of artists living in Yogyakarta know Uga,” Samodro said. 

Kak Toto, the art tutor, commended Samodro’s acts. 

“It’s indeed necessary to build a supportive community around the young artist to help grow his skills and career,” Kak Toto said. 

“[The supportive community] can be a group of family members, friends or colleagues that watch over the young artist, nurture his talent and promote his work.” 

Going all out

Last but not least, developing artistic talent in children with autism requires a strong commitment and continuous support from the parents.

“Salman is both a gift and a test for us,” Sofwan said. “And yet, we’ve decided to love and support him all the way.” 

Parents should also stand united in raising children with autism. 

“Don’t divorce,” Samodro said. “Children with autism are [usually] susceptible. They’ll be deeply hurt if their parents decide to separate.” 

In developing their talents, children with autism often require the help of exceptional tutors. Even though the costs can be substantial, parents should make the effort. 

“Don’t hesitate to sell houses or land if needs be,” Samodro said. “[Your children] are your biggest asset and deserve all the love and support you can provide.” 

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