Cedar Ridge student turns autism experience into graphic novel

A Cedar Ridge student has turned years of drawing comics and his experiences with autism into a published graphic novel aimed at building understanding and acceptance.

Elijah G. recently published his first book, “The Ups and Downs of Autism with and by Mr. Ariel.” The graphic novel draws on his experiences as a student with autism.

“When I was younger, I wanted my comic strip to be in the newspaper like Garfield or Peanuts,” Elijah said. “All of that was just a dream, but now that I was able to actually get a book done and published, it is such an accomplishment.”

Elijah has created comics for years. With support from his mother, Ivelisse Belliard, he completed the book and began sharing it with others.

“He is a perfectionist,” Belliard said. “He wants to give people his best.”

For Elijah, the book is also a way to help other students better understand autism.

“What motivated me was knowing how kids my age didn't really understand autism and would make fun of me without really understanding my struggles,” he said.

Elijah said he wants students without autism or other disabilities to look beyond behaviors they may not understand.

“We see the world differently,” he said. “But we really just want what everyone else does, and that is to be accepted and not judged by how we look or what we do at times.”

Elijah plans to attend Round Rock High School's 18+ program. Round Rock ISD offers the program to help students develop vocational, job and workforce skills.

Mark Gabrylczyk, the district's executive director of special education services, said transition planning begins when students reach secondary school.

“The 18+ program is a very critical program for students with needs in areas of vocational training, job coaching and preparing students with workforce and soft skills,” Gabrylczyk said.

Valerie Alexis, Elijah's longtime special education teacher at Cedar Ridge, said art has helped him connect with other people.

“Socializing can sometimes be difficult, and Elijah has always had a desire to connect with others,” Alexis said. “His artwork is definitely one of the ways he is able to make connections.”

Elijah hopes those connections eventually extend beyond the printed page. He wants a career creating cartoons and hopes to develop an animated series featuring Mr. Ariel.

“My overall hope and dream is for my book to reach the right people,” Elijah said.

For him, that means everyone.

“People say shoot for the stars, but I am aiming for the galaxy because I see how dreams can come true,” he said.