Autistic Artist Simon Wiltshire

Artist Stephen Wiltshire was mute until the age of 3, when he was diagnosed with autism. At the age of five, Stephen was sent to Queensmill School in London, where it was noticed that the only pastime he enjoyed was drawing. It soon became apparent he communicated with the world through the language of drawing; first animals, then London buses, and finally buildings. These drawings show a masterful perspective, a whimsical line, and reveal a natural innate artistry. The drawing above is the result of a 20-minute helicopter ride above Manhattan. His camera-like memory enabled him to sketch the entire skyline from memory. Every building was correct and drawn to scale!