Learning from Alex's World

Sharing thoughts and observations on the joys, the humor and the challenges of living with and loving someone with autism.

As we have traveled Alex’s journey, we have treasured the stories and experiences of others who have walked in our shoes. Although every autistic person is unique, similarities in traits and behaviors do exist, and there is inspiration and comfort in sharing with others –we are not alone when we find ourselves in tears or in stitches, in agony or in peace. We’ll try to share a few stories here.

Cards on the Way
November 27, 2023

Cards on the Way

We made the first big trip to the post office this morning! The card orders are on their way. I showed the receipt to Alex and he said, “Wow!” “People like your cards...

The Workshop!
November 17, 2023

The Workshop!

Call this our version of Santa's workshop -- Alex with his paints and brushes at his teacher's studio. Alex loves his teachers and his weekly routine that includes a couple of sessions with...

Before the Storm...
November 17, 2023

Before the Storm...

Yep, it's the quiet before the storm, when Alex's cards are packaged and delivered. We get a special joy from seeing all of the addresses and all of the states where Alex spreads the news on what our...

We Love 'More Than'!
November 17, 2023

We Love 'More Than'!

We love Kate Swenson and Amanda Deluca from The More Than Project and Finding Cooper's Voice as partners in Alex’s journey – and as dear friends as well. The More Than Project strives to...

An ace of a day
August 28, 2022

An ace of a day

I Didn’t Get a Hole-In-One Miniature golfing Summer ‘22 is a wrap! While Hannah was home we got our family outing of golf in. Was a beautiful day. This is Alex’s favorite...

Hot fun in the summertime
August 28, 2022

Hot fun in the summertime

So…..what does Alex like to do most in the summer? Don his life jacket and climb on the tube. Now, Alex is not like most tubers. He is a very leisurely tuber. Just look at him! No...

Sharing Joy
November 10, 2021

Sharing Joy

Sometimes life teaches that sharing joy is a wonderful to receive joy. Case in point, is our promotion of Alex's Nativity and Holiday cards: the response has been so gracious and inspirational. As we...

A Big First
June 25, 2021

A Big First

Alex had quite a first tonight -- he was invited to be an artist in residence at a garden tour in our hometown. We had some of his artwork on display and some of his greeting cards for sale while he...

Sibling Song
June 18, 2021

Sibling Song

Last week Alex and Hannah sang a duet -- I See the Light from the musical Tangled -- and posted it on our Alex the Artist facebookk page. We gained a lot of new followers to the page, as folks who...

Back to The Lady
April 26, 2021

Back to The Lady

When we're asked when we knew Alex's art skills were something special, we always go back to The Lady. As Alex was growing up, he certainly showed that he innately understood perspective, lighting...

Alex's favorite mountain
April 19, 2021

Alex's favorite mountain

Alex lived much of his childhood years in Puget Sound, and he loved what we call The Mountain. Earlier this year, Alex selected a photo that showed the beauty and majesty of Mount Ranier and used it...

Our loving community
April 16, 2021

Our loving community

Alex has so many wonderful people in his community, and there is no one quite like KT Swenson, whose blog Finding Cooper's Voice has touched so many families who live with and love people on the...

Moving mountains
February 25, 2021

Moving mountains

On our Facebook page, we have been sharing a lot about Alex’s Autism journey, and so much of his journey revolves around his artwork, which is his wonderful opportunity to express himself, have...

Nothing better than a smile
September 30, 2020

Nothing better than a smile

One of the great blessings of life with Alex is catching this smile. It's the one with the corner of his mouth turned up and with a knowing look in his eyes. That's when we know he's happy and...

Diff'rent strokes...
August 25, 2020

Diff'rent strokes...

We are celebrating the completion of Alex's latest work -- Flowering White! The piece shows how the beauty of white when set off from a range of color, but it could also be called different strokes...

More than a paycheck
August 14, 2020

More than a paycheck

This one's not about art, but it's a big deal in the Schlueter household. Here we see the envelope containing Alex's second paycheck from his new job. A couple/three times a week, Alex and a couple...

Two reasons to smile
July 29, 2020

Two reasons to smile

Alex is not particularly keen on getting his picture taken, but he has two reasons to happily agree to the impromptu photo session. Reason 1 is that sister Hannah is taking the photo, as we were all...

Starting a work flow
July 18, 2020

Starting a work flow

Alex's work graphically shows his attention to detail; he is nothing if not meticulous. But with this wonderful aspect of artist expressioni comes, shall we say, a slower pace in terms of generating...

Fun with color
July 11, 2020

Fun with color

Alex has always loved working with colors. He likes to mix different colors to come up with new shades, and he likes to see how tints and shades look in the different art media that he uses, whether...

Alex is back!
May 6, 2020

Alex is back!

Hello everyone! We are thrilled to be back in on the web with our new Alextheartist.com site! We hope this overdue makeover will reflect Alex’s growth and development as an artist, and as the...

So many to thank...
May 6, 2020

So many to thank...

Alex has taught us many things, and one of them is to say thank you –a lot. And we will use this space to make sure we keep doing that. As we launch our new site, thanks are in order for new...