D.J.
Thursday, April 30, 2009

I'm on the Spectrum

My name is Daniel John Svoboda. I am 25 years old. I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder with psychomotor retardation at the age of three. I went through some very difficult times growing up with autism. I was often picked on and made fun of. It was from these very difficult situations that “The Imagifriends” were born. The Imagifriends live in a place called Imagiville. In this imaginary place, no one is ever picked on or mistreated in any way. Everyone is loved and accepted for who they are, and helps and cares for one another.

Each Imagifriend I draw is different. They come in many sizes, colors and designs. None of them are ever mean or cruel. They each have their own special job and purpose in Imagiville. Every Imagifriend knows that as long as they have a kind heart it doesn’t matter what they look like. Some of them are physically or mentally handicapped, but that’s okay. I just had my first book published called My Imagiville, which is about acceptance and respect for those with autism.

I want to use The Imagifriends to help others with autism know they are special just the way they are. I have created The Imagifriends coloring book and I draw Imaginames, which is when I create an Imagifriend out of the letters of your name and connect them. I donate a portion of what I earn to the Autism Help Network and to my wonderful church, Hope Community Church. Being autistic has presented me with many challenges in my life. From these challenges I have learned to never give up. I want to thank the Lord for giving me the talent to draw, and I want to use this talent to help others.