He Never Spoke A Word...

Most days, my heart is full thinking about the children I work with. Each of them carries a story, and it’s an incredible privilege to walk alongside them as they grow in confidence, expression, and in the tiniest but most meaningful ways.

Take Siddu, for example. He’s 10 years old, tall for his age, with a beautiful gentleness in his presence. Siddu is on the autism spectrum and attends a special school. After school, he is usually home. Once a week, I will go to his house to paint with him.

When he first started more than a year ago, he barely gave eye contact and would often stare blankly. He couldn’t express himself with words, so I learned to communicate through observation, intuition, and trust. I would look out for the slightest cue, like when he stared a little longer at a colour or a card, and I would take that as his preference.

Over time, something beautiful began to bloom.

Now, Siddu is much more attentive. He takes initiative in his artwork, adding more details and clearly showing his preferences. He is even starting to vocalise — using one-word expressions like “apron,” “bye,” and “wash.” He now walks over to my box to indicate when he wants more paint.

It may seem like small progress to some. But for me and his parents, grandma and auntie... every new word, every choice made, every brushstroke with intention, is a milestone worth celebrating.

Progress may be slow, but it is steady and meaningful. And I am incredibly proud of the journey we are making together.

This is why I love what I do: to be the first to witness a child’s growth unfold.

Elfin Ng
Growth Coach
stART Studio
Crafting Confidence, One Brushstroke at a Time.