Posted in Autism

I received a really nice email recently from a young man, D.J. Svoboda, who described himself as an "autistic artist". After a little background, he directed me to his website & to his first book & accompanying coloring books. He has created over 3,000 colorful & friendly characters! My interest was peaked, so I ordered the book & 2 of his coloring books.

Charmingly hand written & colorfully illustrated, D.J. Svoboda describes a young boy named Joshua who has autism. He is walking home from school, saddened by yet another day of being mistreated by his classmates due to his differences. Joshua feels "very hurt & bad inside". Joshua loves using his imagination, so on his way home alone, he steps into a whole different, wonderful world called "Imagiville". There are some "very special loving people" there called "The Imagifriends".

This is a world of "joy" & "kindness", where "anything is possible". The Imagifriends greet him warmly & happily, & offer him nice treats such as a  "juicy dapple fapple". Most of all they remind Joshua he is loved & very special.

Joshua feels better & better but the sadness of his day still lingers as he walks & interacts with these friendly creatures. The Imagifriends continually reassure Joshua that he is very loved, that he should ignore hurtful things that are said to him, & that "the autistic & the handicapped are special too". They reassure him that they & many others really love him, but the big change in Joshua comes when he is told how much "God & Jesus" love him so very much.

All of a sudden Joshua can smile & his heart is lighter. He is encouraged by this truth of how God loves people who are autistic. In the end the author reassures his readership that they are very, very loved, just the way they are.

His closing verse is Psalm 139:14 - I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

This is such a touching book. Having autistic children, both higher & lower functioning, made me appreciate this book as their mother so much. Granted, as homeschoolers,  they are not exposed to the cruelty of the classroom, although we've had a taste of what we're missing (which makes me thankful we're missing it). But they have to go out in the world, a world that is very often cruel to anyone who is different.

I'm reassured that this talented artist has faith, & knows the Lord. I wrote to thank him for contacting me, as he & his mom found me in my little corner of the web here, & I'm so glad they did! I asked if I could share his testimony, & he was more than willing. Here is what he wrote:

"I found The Lord years ago when I was a young boy, I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3. During that time growing up with Autism was very tough in early life. There were times in School when I was made fun of and was treated mean. When I started middle School I used to do a lot of doodling and sketching, but when I started High School I decided it was time to get serious, I did a lot of drawing and in 2001 is when The Imagifriends had their very first website and when they were born which is October 19, 2001. I felt that The Lord wanted me to be a artist to help all those with Autism and Disabilities and to help them know how very special they are and can make a great difference in the world. The Lord loves them all very much just as The Lord loves everyone too. The Imagifriends teach about acceptance and many other great things, one other big thing that they teach is that as long as someone has a very good heart it never matters what he or she looks like. The Imagifriends care about everyone and always do great things to help many others, as well as those with Autism."

His book is a great reminder to look past the superficial. The Lord wants a pure heart. He knows & sees all. So many children grow up like this author, being mistreated for something they cannot control. I pray they all find His saving grace & feel His love in their lives, no matter what is going on around them here in this world.

Do visit his website here.
Watch a video about D.J. Svoboda here.
To purchase his books go here.