Drawing with Peter: Autobiography, Narrative, and the Art of a Child with Autism

Abstract

In this article I describe the precocious and varied drawings of Peter, an 8-year-old boy with autism. I investigate art's several roles in his life and consider art's relationship, by style and content to his fears, hopes, pleasures, and daily experiences. First, I briefly describe autism. Second, I discuss Peter, his four apparently distinct drawing styles, and the roles each seems to play in his life. Next, I suggest possible reasons for the characteristics of each of these styles and propose explanations for such diverse attributes. Finally, I indicate what Peter's varied creations suggest about art's narrative qualities and its meaning-making possiblities for other people as well.