Father Photographs Autistic Son's Daily Quirky Habits

There is still so much about autism that we don't understand and even more that we are still learning about it. Though we try to explain it, there are some things that just won't make sense to us. To connect with his son more and try to see the world through his eyes, one father started photographing the quirks and habits of his son even before he was diagnosed with autism. What started as something for his own understanding and a bonding experience within his family has ended up showing others what autism can look like and just how beautiful and unique it can be.

Photographer Timothy Archibald’s oldest son, Elijah, was born in 2001.

When he turned five, the two started taking photographs together with Elijah as the model.

It started as a way to better understand each other.

Not long after they started taking the photos, Elijah was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum.

This helped Timothy understand his son’s behavior more, but he still wanted to learn how to connect emotionally with him.

He named the series of photos "Echolilia," which is another way of spelling "echolalia."

Echolalia is used to describe verbal repetition and copying found in children with autism.

Sometimes Timothy directs Elijah in their photos, but many times Elijah does his own thing unexpectedly.

Together, they look at the photos and try to make them better.

“I liked the idea of turning creative control over to a child, while I operate the camera."

This series has helped Timothy not only understand his son more but also accept that he can’t control every situation.

 He always recognized that Elijah was different, but he wants his son to remember that and see it as a good thing.

"I never wanted [Eli] to think that he was normal."

"I wanted him to be aware of how different he was and see that as an asset."

Echolilia can also teach others what autism looks like.

Even though there are similarities from person to person, the autism spectrum is vast and each person that falls into it is unique.

 

Elijah is someone who can introduce us to new perspectives in life.

His dad is just one of the people who has been touched by someone with autism and, like many things, it has made his life richer and fuller.

SHARE if autism has touched your life in some way.