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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, December 18, 2014 | 30 Art gives Aiden `total freedom' from autism by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Artscene "Connected to your Community" hen 11-year-old Aiden Lee paints, he begins by walking around, holding his supplies and going through the motions. After nearly 20 minutes, he zones in, enjoying the moment until the painting is done and then he moves on. "When he's done, he'll never mention that painting again. He moves on to the next one," said his mother, Judith Lee. "He's very unique in that way. He has no ownership to it (his art works). It's not like it's his and he shows it off." The Oakville boy was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when he was four and a half years old. He also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Aiden started painting at age eight and hasn't stopped since. His mother says it has helped him with his focus. "It's become something that he's good at, which builds his self-esteem, self-confidence -- it's expression," said Judith. "There are no boundaries when you paint. In life there are so many boundaries: in how you talk; how you behave; how you listen. There are so many rights and wrongs and they (children with autism) don't understand all of them. There are so many social cues." But in art, there's none of that, she notes -- "it's total freedom." Before Aiden was diagnosed, Judith and her husband, Patrick Lee, noticed W Eleven-year-old Aiden Lee, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, shows two of his paintings that are part of a charity calendar (held by dad Patrick Lee) he's selling in support of Special Olympics Burlington. Aiden is part of the organization's swim team. He paints with his mom Judith every day. The painting Judith is holding is titled Harvest and the one on the easel is You're the One. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or www. facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) their youngest son wasn't communicating like his older siblings -- two sisters and a brother -- did when they were his age. "He couldn't communicate. He wasn't talking... behaviour was another thing -- he had no social abilities. So, these are the things that triggered us to have him checked out by a professional," said Judith. As Aiden has gotten older, he has begun to use all mediums in his art- works, everything from acrylics to paper -- painting every day between 10 minutes to an hour to maintain his connection to art, explains his mother. In fact, it's encouraged at the Joy of Learning Centre at Bronte Provincial Park, where Aiden goes to school. He's currently in Grade 6. Established in 2007, the centre is a ministry-approved service provider for Applied Behavioural Analysis and Intensive Behavioural Intervention for children with ASD. Judith, who also paints leisurely , says it's fun for her to watch her son paint and help him with his colour choices. "As his skills improve, so (do) his colour choices," she said. "It's almost like they can see the world from a colourful perspective. There are times when I would have never thought to use a certain colour combination and he picks them out." Judith notes she likes the fact her son enjoys painting because it allows her to see a different part of him. "He's happy," she said. For Aiden, he says he enjoys people's reactions when they see his works. "To me, the best part about painting is handing it (the finished work) to people and seeing their face, so amazed and happy and surprised." That's why the youngster -- along with help from his family -- has put together a charity calendar to fundraise for Special Olympics Burlington. Last year, thanks to Special Olympics Burlington community co-ordinator Cate Hawkins, Aiden was able to join the swim team. Because of her son's autism and ADHD, Judith said he hadn't been able to join other extra-curricular and sports teams. "He doesn't always follow what you want him to do. Sometimes, he's in another world and that's the difficulty," she said. In addition, as part of its mandate, Special Olympics accepts applicants who have an intellectual disability. Because autism is a spectral disorder, sometimes those who have it don't qualify for Special Olympics. "I think from (the perspective of) a parent being turned down... it was absolutely fantastic when Cate said yes," said Judith. "As you can imagine, I was over the moon. A community for us to join... we're the happiest people. It's a huge deal and we're very thankful to Special Olympics Burlington." Since he's been there, Aiden has made a lot of friends. "He's on this team. He has amazing friends with all different disabilities see Humour on p.31 Give the Gift 171 Speers Road (at Kerr) Oakville Film.ca Cinemas Film Cards can be loaded with any amount Register your Film Card to receive loyalty points for free movies and snacks holiday season! of movies this DIAM OND Voted Oakville's Best Movie Theatre since 2008 905-338-Mews (6397) www.film.ca $8.50 General $6.50 child/senior $5 Tuesdays facebook.com/filmca @FilmCaCinemas