Since Iris Grace Halmshaw's was young, it was obvious to her parents that this beautiful girl would need them to give her some extra help. She is autistic, which is the reason why she cannot speak or communicate for long periods. However, Iris never stopped wowing people with the incredible talent of an artist. The 6-years-old girl seems to have an unusual and unique way of expressing herself. She communicates through her amazing paintings, which have been sold around the world!
Scroll down to find out more details about this impressive girl's story!
Sadly, Iris has to struggle through her life. Everyday things that most children consider simple such as taking baths, and wearing cloths – Iris has to struggle with. She also cannot communicate like other normal kids. Therefore, even her parents have a little chance to reveal what she feels.
However, everything began to change since Iris got a therapy animal. You might have already imagined that it was a dog, but, surprisingly, her companion is actually a Maine coon adorable cat called Thula. Although Iris and her furry friend might seem an odd pair, they actually are doing great and magically together.
Scroll down to see some of Iris and Thula's adventures. Once you see the photos below, you will be assured that animal friends definitely have a positive impact on us all especially children!
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
This is Iris. Sadly, she was born with sever autism, which caused her losing the ability to speak. She could not communicate for a long time, even nonverbally.
Arabella Carter-Johnston, her mother, describes her daughter's condition in these touching words: “trapped in her own world, unreachable.”
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Iris had a chance to find solace, in painting, and her colorful paintings show that she is incredibly talented. Her artistic unique pieces caught the world's attention!
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Iris uses ink, paint, and glitter to create these beautiful abstract paintings, which show how dreamy she is. The way she mixes colors is a clue of incredible sense, and remarkable talent.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
While Iris still has no way to express her creativity to people, or relate to her feelings, her paintings are amazingly inspiring.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
However, once Thula was introduced into Iris' life, everything changed. According to Carter-Johnson, the Main coon cat and Iris immediately became best friends, instantly Iris was able to communicate.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
“So many things changed after Thula came into our lives. It was as if all Iris' difficulties were being sorted out one by one by her trusty companion," Carter-Johnston said.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Since they met, Iris and Thula are inseparable. Thula is always by her side, watching over her as she paints and plays.
In fact, various studies have shown that autistic children can develop their social skills if they have an animal friend.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Through time, Thula's company inspired Iris to feel peace and, gradually, she became more comfortable with things that she always found traumatic. It was overwhelming for her parents to see that struggling with things like getting into the car evaporated completely.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Thula never leaves Iris. They are always together, even when Iris works on one of her charming paintings.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Even after Iris took lessons and was able to communicate more freely, her love of painting and creativity never faded.
mage Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
While Iris is learning to branch out and try new things, she is getting braver with experimenting.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Iris' best friend, Thula, is always by her side, comforting her through her life, and helping with her creative process.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Iris' parents noticed that as their daughter got more social and warm with the Maine coon cat, she also became more open with them.
Previously, Iris disliked being kissed and hugged, but she is more affectionate now. Carter-Johnston says, “It was as if she was opening up to all of us after Thula came into our lives.”
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Recently, Iris began communicating orally rather than gesturing. She has probably begun talking with Thula, but she now talks to her parents, too.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
Iris also had trouble sleeping for a long time, and was, frequently; waking up feeling afraid at many nights. Thula helped her with this, too. The two companions love snuggling up, and whenever Iris wakes up, her furry friend is aside to comfort her.
Image Credit: Facebook / Iris Grace Painting
There is no wonder why Carter-Johnston is amazed at the progress Iris makes. I absolutely agree with him as he describes Iris' and Thula's friendship as “a powerful connection that we had been searching for all this time.”
You can visit Iris'
Facebook page to find out more details about her, her friendship with Thula, and some of her beautiful paintings.
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Little Things
