Art

Autism is commonly heard, however, there are several speculations about Autism and of the people affected by it. In the Philippines, it is estimated that there are around 1 million people living with Autism, yet not everybody can understand what it it’s like. The Autism spectrum Disorder is a condition where a person who is diagnosed with it will not have the same experiences but are noticed by the core symptoms.

Meet Calel, he is a 6-year old who was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) at the age of four. A year ago, he discovered his love for animals and drawing and once he starts on a sketch pad he just cannot stop – his mother Marie, started posting his artwork on Facebook, when a friend commented that if in the case the drawing is produced to be printed on a t-shirt – he definitely would buy.

After a few months, Marie launched Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts for 3 reasons: to help with Calel’s therapy needs, to develop the business to eventually be taken over by Calel (when he gets older) and to spread Autism awareness.          

There are limited specialists in the Philippines for Occupational and Speech therapy. It is in fact, costly too. Kids with ASD need to attend SPED (Special Education) classes which can cost up to Php 60,000 a year. For every shirt purchased, this will help Calel’s parents to make sure he gets the special treatments that he needs.

Calel’s future is still unclear at the age of 6. He shows signs of progress, which is good. It is hard to tell if he will be able to live a normal life.  If this becomes a success, Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts may become his own business to handle.

With the first batch of t-shirts printed and distributed, people that order asked about Calel and his condition. This helps Marie to talk about Autism. It was also a chance to educate them on what the family experience day-to-day.

There are so many designs to choose from and each is unique which you will surely love. T-shirt’s come in kids, men and women’s sizes.

Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts are being offered at introductory prizes for the first 100 customers. Please visit their Instagram account for updates and designs: calelswackyartshirts You may help Calel by purchasing a shirt through their Shoppee account: Mamaneesshop They are also accepting donations for art materials like sketch pads, crayons, colored pencils and pens.