GEORGE TOWN: Autistic child Delwin Cheah Wien Loong has received a letter from Barack Obama, in which the US President says the world needs young people like him.
Cheah caught Obama’s attention with his book, I Can Draw.
Obama wrote: “The world needs young people like you who are trying hard in school, serving your community, and dreaming big dreams.
“We face many challenges, but with your help, we can build on what we have already achieved and forge a brighter tomorrow.”
Cheah’s parents have no idea who sent the book to the US President and are trying to trace the source.
The 11-year-old started drawing at the age of three before he was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome two years later.
Cheah draws without an eraser as he never makes mistakes and takes three to five minutes to complete each drawing.
His mother, Erina Law, said she sent her son for art classes despite being told by the teacher that he was the worst student and that he would never become an artist.
Law said she hoped Obama’s letter would create awareness of Asperger Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which impedes
The boy, who has an above average IQ score of 114, has taken part in several art exhibitions, including one organised by Stroke of Genius in the US.
He is listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as the youngest artist to hold a solo exhibition and in the US’ Record Setter as the world’s youngest artist.
Cheah plans to send one of his drawings to Obama to thank him for his encouraging note
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