PHORO GALLERY: Art for Autism exhibit displays talents

Erik Miller, a senior at Rock Bridge High School, sleeps on the couch at the Art for Autism reception in the Perlow-Stevens Gallery on Friday. Eric is one of the patients at MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome in January 2008.   |  Xiaojie Ouyang

Chris Kanne, left, points out a drawing by Paul T. Backes to Stephen M. Kanne, the executive director of the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, at the Art for Autism reception in the Perlow-Stevens Gallery on Friday. They said they liked the details of the drawing and decided to purchase it.   |  Xiaojie Ouyang

Thomas Jackson, 9, plays with his toy car at the Art for Autism reception. Thomas became interested in cars and started drawing them when he was 4 years old. According to his mother, Kimberly Matthews, it is how he sees the vehicles that makes his drawings unique.   |  Xiaojie Ouyang

The sculpture "Bun Dog" by Laura Lloyd is displayed at the Art for Autism reception in the Perlow-Stevens Gallery. Faces and color are the dominant factors in Lloyd's sculptures and paintings.   |  Xiaojie Ouyang

Paul T. Backes, 15, introduces his drawings to other visitors at the Art for Autism reception in the Perlow-Stevens Gallery. Three of his drawings were completed when Backes was a patient at MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.   |  Xiaojie Ouyang