Young Ballito-born artist Clayden Botes is a shining example that there is life beyond autism.

The 16-year-old’s experience aptly illustrates the point during World Autism Month in April.

The 17th annual world autism awareness initiative celebrates the unique talents that people living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have.

ASD is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain which determine behaviour, communication, personal interaction and learning.

World autism acceptance week takes place this week and this year’s theme is colour.

In Ballito this fits in perfectly with what Botes does best.

His unique artistic designs offer a colourful, vibrant style that reflects the joy he experiences when he paints.

According to his mother Antoinette Botes, the young artist has always found art as an escape from the sad reality of bullying he faced at school.

Botes recalls the first time she was told her son was autistic.

“He used to fall behind in school and that’s when we tackled the root of the problem, getting a diagnosis when he was just six years old,” she said.

Botes stressed the importance of understanding and accepting a child’s autistic condition, focusing on what can be done to support such children instead of trying to ”fix them”.

“Acceptance is the best gift you can give your child. Accept that your child can’t read or write and encourage their strengths and hobbies,” she said.

True to her statement, Botes helped her son establish Clayden Designs in 2021.

His artistic career has since been draped in colour, selling colourful art pieces, T-shirts, bedding and customised sneakers.

Speaking about the importance of World Autism Month, Botes stressed the value of affording people with autism opportunities to flourish.

”You will be surprised what autistic people can do when given a chance,” she said.

The Ballito-born artist is also giving back to the autistic community, raising funds to help those with autism lead normal lives and become part of society.

The family has since moved to Cape Town.

Visit claydensdesigns.com to find out more.

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