Jay's Success Story: From Silence to a Splash of Colours

Every success story begins quietly, often long before the world notices. Jay’s journey is one such story, shaped by patience, belief, and the power of allowing a child to grow at his own pace. From early developmental challenges to finding calm and confidence through art, Jay’s story is a reminder that progress does not always look the same but it is always meaningful.

Here is an excerpt of his journey in his parents words.

From Quiet Beginnings to Confident Creations: Jay’s Journey 

Jay was diagnosed with Autism at just 18 months old. Life for us changed. He regressed on multiple developmental parameters he didn’t respond to his name, had no eye contact, and was in his own world. He was hyperactive and his sensory issues made everyday activities challenging.

When therapy began, it was a journey of discovery one step at a time. The smallest of changes was a victory for us. Gradually his eye contact improved. Joint referencing came in and gradually he started recognizing us and enjoyed being a part of our world or I should say both the worlds sublimed into one.

We other than doing therapies never stopped living our lives. We made sure Jay had all experiences and tried to make him comfortable using visual schedules, preparing him, giving sensory and fidgets when needed and not push him enough but never to the point of meltdown or a breakdown. And so he loves travelling to new places with us, he loves eating out and most of all he loves the water, the sea, the waves. Jay’s sense of balance amazed us he picked up cycling and skating quickly. He loves water and enjoys swimming. While these activities brought him joy, they were purely recreational for him, not competitive.

Building Communication and Life Skills  

Jay has dyspraxia of speech so words come difficult to him. He is mainly non verbal but that never stopped his communication. From PECS to signs to writing to now typing and using his AAC app AVAZ its been a long journey and still a work in progress. Speech and communication remain a work in progress. Today, Jay expresses himself through a mix of tools—his text-to-speech app (Avaz), typing, writing, and approximate words. Social skills, thought processes, and daily life skills are areas we continue to nurture.

What this journey taught us is that communication is not limited to spoken words. It is about being heard, understood, and respected. Jay found his voice not in one way, but in many. And each method brought him closer to independence and self-expression.

A Turning Point During COVID  

The pandemic brought an unexpected breakthrough. Locked indoors, one day we gave Jay a choice board with list of activities to choose from for his leisure time. To our surprise, he picked coloring. Initially, he copied pictures from the YouTube videos. Then slowly, he began experimenting with colors and improvising. The more he painted, the better he became and this was one thing which gave him happiness. We were happy that he has found a meaningful leisure activity, never ever imagined that this would grow leaps and bounds and so organically.

Encouraged by family and friends, we shared his work online. Jay evolved from A4 sheets to large canvases, developing a distinct style. His color choices often surprise us the final outcome is always a delightful revelation.

What started as a leisure activity soon became a source of calm, focus, and identity for Jay. Painting helped him regulate emotions, express thoughts, and engage with the world in a way that felt natural to him.

First Exhibition and Beyond  

Jay’s first display was at a medical conference (CME 2022, Navi Mumbai). The appreciation was overwhelming. Soon after, he exhibited at a child entrepreneurship fair in our residential complex, selling 25 paintings! After that there has been no looking back.

Since then, Jay has participated in over 25 exhibitions and sold nearly 200 artworks. He is a part of Atypical Advantage platform amongst the youngest artists. He also has an art display corner round the year at Artjuna Café, Goa.

He has participated in numerous group art exhibitions across the country and abroad in various galleries including:

• Nehru Centre – London (by Atypical Advantage)

• Lokayata Gallery – Delhi (group art exhibition along with 20 neurotypical adults)

• India Habitat Centre – Delhi (by Action for Autism)

• Gallery FPH – Mumbai (Free Press Journal)

• Art Entrance Gallery, Kala Ghoda – Mumbai (by Special Hangout)

• Dubai Build Mode in Dubai (by Atypical Advantage)

Each exhibition became more than just a showcase it became a platform where Jay’s abilities spoke louder than any diagnosis.

What Painting Means to Jay  

When asked how he feels while painting, Jay types on his Avaz app: “I feel calm.”

From a child once lost in his own world, Jay now enjoys the limelight. He loves posing with his art and proudly says his paintings are the best. As parents, we feel blessed, Jay has found a purpose that boosts his confidence and lets the world see his abilities, not his limitations.

Art has given Jay a sense of ownership and pride. It has helped him connect with people, spaces, and opportunities that once felt distant. Through his paintings, Jay communicates joy, confidence, and individuality.

Key Takeaways for Parents  

Every child’s journey is unique patience and persistence matter.Explore different activities; you never know what will click. Celebrate progress, however small it leads to big milestones.

Jay’s journey reminds families that growth does not follow a fixed timeline. What matters most is belief, consistency, and creating safe spaces where children can explore freely.

A Journey Still Unfolding  

Jay continues to grow, learn, and explore his communication, social skills, and independence evolving with time. What remains constant is his love for colors and the calm they bring him.

From silence to a splash of colours, Jay’s story is not just about art it is about possibility. It is about what happens when children are allowed to be themselves, supported without pressure, and celebrated for who they are.

This is Jay’s success story and it continues to inspire many more.