When he was three years old, Max Pritchard was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. His mom Danielle knew how important an early intervention would be to help Max in overcoming troubles with speech, anxiety and social skills. One of the big factors in his treatment is photography. With a camera in his hands, little Max is successfully overcoming these challenges on a daily basis.
As Danielle tells ABC, after establishing the right treatment and routine with Max, his condition began to improve. Shortly after that, his mom gave him a camera and it made his progress even more rapid. His mom says that photography helps him to be more focused, and also to communicate better with others.
According to Danielle, photography has helped her teach Max how to politely approach people and ask if he can take their photo. She says that this often results in great conversations and interactions with people. Although very young, the boy is “quite particular of what he wants to take photos of,” his mom explains. If she suggests that he take photos of something he doesn’t find interesting, he tells her straight out.
Of course, early intervention was crucial in helping Max get the right treatment. But his passion for photography has helped him improve further. His mom says that it still takes some time to filter out the blurry photos, but his skills are improving evidently, “on both a technical and social level.”
Autism Awareness Australia CEO Nicole Rogerson tells ABC that Max’s photos are “a visual reminder that people with autism view the world differently” and that “they see things we often don’t notice.” To share Max’s perspective with the world, Danielle has decided to make an Instagram page for her son. Here she shares the photos he takes, and it’s a wonderful insight into the world as he sees it. And, I would like to add: he takes some amazing photos and I just love the way he sees the world.
[via ABC]
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