“I would like to share one story of my student in Thailand, his name is Arrow. He was diagnosed with ASD when was a young boy. Now, he is a young man full of potential, lovely, and a generous person. He loves to take photos when he has a chance to travel to different places, and he would share those photos with me. He writes me letters and sends them by mail from Thailand to the U.S.A. to let me know about how he is doing. Even though, each letter is written in very short sentences and the same patterns every time, there is an endless friendship. I decided to share his photo art by creating these travel mugs for the Arc Expo to spread his unique talents and continue to motivate him to never give up on his dream. I always think, we might spend too much time to focusing on the label of ASD while those talents are hidden and forgotten.

At the Arc Expo, I met some people that admired his photos. I would like to thank everyone for the notes from Emiline, Abbie, Carol & others to encourage Arrow and inspire him for keeping up with his talents. From the notes, I have learned that friendships can bring a big world closer together, and there are no barriers of race, label, age, religion, or language. But most importantly acceptance, understanding, love, and respect.”

- Supattra W. Andrade, Ph.D.