Autism is a spectrum of possibilities—an infinite richness that coexists with the profound challenges of cases that are extremely difficult to manage. My heart goes out to parents of autistic children who often navigate complex relationships. These children sometimes seem locked in their own worlds, making it challenging to reach out to them. Their discomfort can occasionally manifest as aggression. Yet, at other times, as I’ve experienced in my work, building a connection with them can be extraordinary and deeply rewarding, especially when progress is visible—when a state of total or partial withdrawal transforms into openness and engagement with the world around them.
Reflecting on how to represent autism and the awe these individuals inspire has been profoundly thought-provoking. I drew inspiration from a quote by Franco Oliveri: “You don’t change an autistic person; you accept them.” This sentiment, I believe, applies universally. It’s the reason I titled this piece “Just the Way You Are.”
The scene depicts a little girl reaching out her hands to another child, whose face is hidden behind her own hands—a gesture that conveys withdrawal, protection, or perhaps discomfort. Yet, the act of extending a hand is a universal symbol: it embodies hope, solidarity among human beings, and genuine support in moments of difficulty. It reminds us of what still binds us—person to person—transcending differences and restoring the essence of humanity in a world that desperately needs such gestures.