Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts: Spreading Autism Awareness, 1 Shirt at a Time

Autism Spectrum Disorder

I believe most of us are very much familiar with the word Autism. But familiarity doesn't always equate with understanding as there are several speculations about Autism and of the people affected by it. But what is really the truth behind this condition? 

In the Philippines, there is an estimated 1 million people living with Autism, yet not everybody can understand what it’s like. The Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that affects one's communication and behavior. It is a condition where a person who is diagnosed with it will not all have the same experiences but can be noticed by the core symptoms. 

Meet Calel!

Calel wearing one of his designed shirt!

Calel is a 6-year old boy who was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) at the age of four. A year ago, he discovered his love for animals and drawing that once he starts on a sketch pad he just cannot stop! Marie, Calel's mom started posting his artwork on Facebook, and it is when a friend commented that if in the case the artwork will be printed on a t-shirt, he would definitely buy that this proud mom got the idea of selling personalized shirts.  

Calel's Wacky Art Shirts

Some of  the designs of Calel's Wacky Art Shirts

After a few months, Marie launched Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts for 3 reasons: to help with Calel’s therapy needs, to develop the business to eventually be taken over by Calel(when he gets older) and to spread Autism awareness. 

Anybody would know that Occupational aned Speech therapy is costly, plus there are limited specialists in the Philippines. Kids with ASD need to attend SPED (Special Education) classes which can cost up to 60,000Php a year. For every shirt purchased, this will help Calel’s parents to make sure he gets the special treatments that he needs. 

Calel’s future is still unclear at the age of 6. Although he is definitely showing signs of progress but it is still hard to tell what his future will be. Will he be able to live a normal life? Will he be employed? We cannot really tell.  So if Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts will become a success,  this can become his own business to handle.

With the first batch of t-shirts printed and distributed, people who have order have already started asking about Calel and his condition – this helps Marie to talk about Autism and educate them on what Calel and their parents are experiencing daily, including the highs and lows. 

There are so many designs to choose from and each artwork is unique which you will surely love. Calel's T-shirt’s come in different sizes suitable for kids, men and women.

Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts are being offered at introductory prizes for the first 100 customers so do hurry and get your own shirt now! :)

For more updates and designs, please visit their Instagram account : Instagram.com/calelswackyartshirts

You may also help Calel by purchasing a shirt through their shoppee account: https://shopee.ph/mamaneesshop

They are also accepting donations for art materials like sketch pads, crayons, colored pencils and pens! So all of you dearest, let us all support Calel's Wacky Art Shirts and let us help spread Autism Awareness, 1 T-Shirt at a Time! :)