Specialisterne: leveraging the unique skills of Autistics at competitive market terms

[Visionary7903]

I mentioned, in this post and this post, Erik’s Ranch & Retreats. One young person who is involved in leading a tour through Erik’s Minnesota Adventures is Jimmy Reagan…

…Changing perceptions

Jimmy Reagan, 19, leads a tour at Sunfish Cellars in Lilydale where he displays his art. Because he doesn’t speak well, his mother, Peg, and an assistant explain his work, which are often colorful portraits of people and animals reminiscent of Van Gogh and Picasso.

Peg said her son, who usually wears a suit and tie to the tours, gains a sense of self-respect from being able show off his artwork, which has received local and regional accolades.

“We’re changing the way people think about these kids,” she said…

This talented young artist’s work can be viewed via the following link: Gallery

Indeed Jimmy’s various endeavours (for example tour guiding and his artwork) may have resulted in him growing in other ways …

…I believe that his art is changing the way he thinks and is helping to make new connections in the part of his brain that has seemed to be so handicapped in the past. His interest in art has allowed him to be open to new things. He has found something that he loves that has given him a sense of purpose, worth and, perhaps, has improved his actual brain function.

(sources: StarTribune - Print Page; The Brain – Making New Connections - Caryn Sullivan Scribe)