Autistic boy’s poetic quotes about lockdown are turned into art

‘It’s his way of getting out that worry and fear and frustration the only way he knows how,’ says Woody’s mother

(BBC / Gareth Furby)

Poetic observations about lockdown made by a young autistic boy are being turned into art.

A short video by the BBC tells the story of Woody, an eight-year-old child in London whose “sayings” about the pandemic are being made into art by his father, Sonny, who works as an art director.

During the pandemic, Woody’s parents found that he “often says these profound little sayings that are quite original”.

Giving an example, Sonny recalls a moment when Woody “turned to us and said, ‘It never feels like lockdown with you’”.

Woody’s quotes – called “Wood-isms” – are then stylistically written, printed and turned into screen prints or cards, which are available to purchase.

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A percentage of the profits goes toward the Ambitious About Autism charity for young people with autism.

Clips in the video show framed prints of quotes, such as: “Why did Covid have to choose this planet?” and “I wish we were the only people onboard this planet.”

“I don’t want life to go back to normal, I want it to go back to better,” reads another poster.

Speaking about her son’s creative process, his mother Charlotte said: “It’s his way of getting out that worry and fear and frustration the only way he knows how.”

Woody was diagnosed with autism aged three. Autism refers to a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills and communication.

Charlotte recalled how Woody always had a special connection to books, stating: “He used to run up and down the living room backwards and forwards, reciting a book that he’d just been read. He knew it word for word within one reading.”

Asked about what he thinks of “the Covid situation”, Woody replied: “It’s a little bad and a little good at the same time, but I’m sure we’ll get through it soon.”