We always love an uplifting story.
As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, we’d like you to meet Led Bradshaw and his son, Jake.
AHRC NYC Elementary School Student and Dad Develop Comic Book Series
When it comes to dynamic duos, Batman and Robin of Gotham have nothing on Led and Jake Bradshaw of Bay Ridge.
The Dynamic Duo, Led and Jake Bradshaw
Led, a professional comic book illustrator, and his son, Jake, an 11-year-old with autism, have bonded over superheroes and comic books. But flash back to nearly eight years ago, when Jake was first diagnosed — Led wondered what the future held for his son. He worried about their relationship. He knew nothing about autism but began reading everything he could and asking therapists and other professionals lots of questions.
While scrolling on the internet, looking for the latest sci-fi and comic book news, he came across a reference to art therapy and its impact on children with autism. Led, 48, who began drawing at age 3 and never stopped, would add drawing for 25 minutes every day to Jake’s routine. Colors were used to express emotions. Led would engage Jake and ask why he was happy, angry, or sad.
He beamed over his son’s obsession with superheroes, reminding him of his younger self. There was a speech delay, but Led indicated he didn’t recognize it as a sign of autismArt, something Led was totally at ease with, could help Jake express himself, even without words. He empowered Jake to draw himself as a superhero. That’s when things really took off.
A Superhero with Autism Takes Off
Cover artwork from The Adventures of Jake Jetpulse
By embracing Jake’s passion, while luring him into learning, they have created a series of comic/workbooks, The Adventures of Jake Jetpulse, which gives readers a glimpse into Jake’s life on the spectrum.
The villains and monsters in Jake Jetpulse comics are from Jake’s nightmares, Led said. Jake would draw them and name them. To fight off the nightmares, Led made monster repellant spray. “I didn’t know what I was walking into; I was just being an attentive dad,” Led said. “I’ve created the superhero universe with him. The stories come from his experience, and I draw to bring it to life.” Little did Jake realize, he was reading and learning a great deal while gaining more confidence. His teacher, at the time, shared the comic and activity books with other children.
“If you’re diagnosed with autism, that’s not bad,” Jake said. “It’s OK. You’re still unique and you can do anything.”
Working on Social Skills at AHRC NYC Elementary School
Jake brings his creativity and his love of writing and drawing to his classroom at AHRC New York City’s Brooklyn Blue Feather Elementary School. If it was up to Jake, “he will sit and draw all day,” said Rose Dorcia, his teacher. He is friendly, sociable, talkative, and very inquisitive, she added. He reads very well, with good pronunciation and he understands most of what he reads.
Artwork from the Jake Jetpulse series
Like other children on the spectrum, Jake struggles with social skills. Rose said he’s learning how to approach other children if he can join their activity in an appropriate manner. He’s also working on reading body language, she said.
Led continues to learn from Jake every day. By encouraging Jake to pursue his special interests, he has learned to communicate. Led’s tip for other parents of children with autism? “Do everything you can to be the best advocate for your child,” Led said. “Establish relationships with therapists and others who work with your child. Ask them, ‘What can I do at home, so my child doesn’t forget this.’”
And most importantly, Led added, “make things fun.”
