TEN-YEAR-OLD Paris Subraya is well on her way to changing the perceptions and stereotypes associated with autism.
The young Park Hill resident, who was diagnosed autistic with severe mental impairment at the age of three, has been breaking boundaries after receiving a full scholarship to an accredited tertiary art school, Centre for Fine Art, Animation and Design (CFAD) in Durban.
“As the youngest student at the centre she will now be working towards earning a Diploma in fine arts, animation and design. What’s more, the passionate artist will also be showcasing 15 of her art pieces at one of the centre’s exhibitions, said Paris’ proud parents Sheraine Reddy and Yugen Subraya.
This will be her fourth exhibition. She was only eight years old when she was invited to display her art of the Durban Art Space Gallery.
Paris’s new adventure began after Reddy responded to a post advertising a holiday programme at the centre. Soon the owner of the centre, Dr Nanda Soobben, the famed political cartoonist, invited Paris for an interview.
“Once he saw Paris and her work he was so impressed that he offered her a full scholarship,” said Reddy.
Subraya and Reddy have recently launched their non-profit organisation, the Incredible Minds Adaptive Learning Centre in Durban North, which is aimed at providing specialised education and autism optimisation to both verbal and non-verbal autistic children.
“Through our centre we hope to redefine education. We believe nobody should be disregarded because of their different abilities or disabilities. Just because a child may think, learn, act or look differently in some cases does not mean that they are less than another person, and Paris is testament to this,” said Reddy.
“We are thrilled to have connected with Dr Soobben who, like us, does not believe in placing limitations on people with special needs or any other individuals,” she added.
According to Paris, drawing is like an adventure. “Every time it’s like I am doing something new. I feel like it shows people how strong and creative I am,” she said.
