Art & Autism

TJ is a paid tour guide at Erik's Ranch in Edina, Minnesota. This is important as a significant portion of Erik's model to help autistic adults find or create meaningful employment includes a kind of “Celebrity Status” giving historic architectural tours of Minneapolis and St Paul as well as art history tours at the Walker Art Center. His incredible knowledge and gentle bright optimistic demeanor sends each of his patrons home with an exciting new perspective.

Although he has to face many of the very same emotional issues that most artists struggle with, through his practice of art he continues to grow and make a significant impact on his community. With this unique developmental disorder and talent combined he endures and thrives living a miraculous story of contribution, commitment and courage that add something remarkable to Minnesota’s artistic legacy.