A Facebook Story
An Inspiring Journey, Shifting Perspectives
By Ramona Balez-Schmidt
Photography by Anthony Schmidt Photography
With additions by The Notebook Cafe
We want to introduce you to an amazing young man we encountered through someone sharing a Facebook post with us. We contacted him and he and his mom, Ramona (author of all the Facebook posts in this article), agreed to let us tell his story, journal style from Anthony's mom's transparent and inspiring posts about her son, Anthony Ryan Schmidt. Diagnosed with autism at age 7, his journey has had very hard parts, but his story is a sweet reminder of what perseverance, determination, finding your passion, and a wonderful supportive family, and faith can do. We couldn't include all of the posts from his Facebook page, or all the amazing photos...or we would have. We encourage you to visit his Facebook page for his full story, because it's truly amazing and inspiring. At the end of this article you'll find links to his Facebook page, website, and where you can purchase his coffee table book, Shifting Perspectives.
Here's where his story caught our attention on Facebook:
Facebook post April 16th -
These photos came up in my search today, and here’s the backstory. Anthony was about 10 years old and having a VERY difficult time. There’s really no way to describe what kids with ASD go through in school or navigating this world unless you experience it first-hand, the system is not yet built to accommodate these kids. It’s hard for them and the entire family, the worry for them and their future can be all consuming. This day we were sitting in a doctor’s office for a weekly therapy, and Anthony started to get very distressed. Instead of continuing with the appointment I let the doctor know we had to go, and I took him to a Gas Works Park, in Seattle, it just happened to be near by and it was the most beautiful spring day. He always had cars in tow, that was his thing and taking photos of his cars always calmed him and put him in his happy place. So, he snapped a bunch of pictures on my iPhone. What I saw that day on my camera roll blew me away, I began to see things through his eyes. What made him happy, in turn made me happy. It really put things in perspective, you can get overwhelmed with the pressure to do everything that the doctors and therapists tell you to do when working with a special needs kid but sometimes you must step back and let your child show you the right path. I posted these photos online, and they went viral, what made Anthony happy in turn made others happy too and that was the start of the Facebook group.
It’s also a great insight into why I post tirelessly, to the point some people obviously get annoyed with me. (Promoting his new book) It’s what makes Anthony happy, it’s his dream and it’s my job as a mom to make that happen for him. So, no pressure, buy his book or don’t but if you do know your making some kid’s dream come true and who knows maybe it will make you a little bit happy too.
Photography by Anthony Schmidt Photography
With additions by The Notebook Cafe
We want to introduce you to an amazing young man we encountered through someone sharing a Facebook post with us. We contacted him and he and his mom, Ramona (author of all the Facebook posts in this article), agreed to let us tell his story, journal style from Anthony's mom's transparent and inspiring posts about her son, Anthony Ryan Schmidt. Diagnosed with autism at age 7, his journey has had very hard parts, but his story is a sweet reminder of what perseverance, determination, finding your passion, and a wonderful supportive family, and faith can do. We couldn't include all of the posts from his Facebook page, or all the amazing photos...or we would have. We encourage you to visit his Facebook page for his full story, because it's truly amazing and inspiring. At the end of this article you'll find links to his Facebook page, website, and where you can purchase his coffee table book, Shifting Perspectives.
Here's where his story caught our attention on Facebook:
Facebook post April 16th -
These photos came up in my search today, and here’s the backstory. Anthony was about 10 years old and having a VERY difficult time. There’s really no way to describe what kids with ASD go through in school or navigating this world unless you experience it first-hand, the system is not yet built to accommodate these kids. It’s hard for them and the entire family, the worry for them and their future can be all consuming. This day we were sitting in a doctor’s office for a weekly therapy, and Anthony started to get very distressed. Instead of continuing with the appointment I let the doctor know we had to go, and I took him to a Gas Works Park, in Seattle, it just happened to be near by and it was the most beautiful spring day. He always had cars in tow, that was his thing and taking photos of his cars always calmed him and put him in his happy place. So, he snapped a bunch of pictures on my iPhone. What I saw that day on my camera roll blew me away, I began to see things through his eyes. What made him happy, in turn made me happy. It really put things in perspective, you can get overwhelmed with the pressure to do everything that the doctors and therapists tell you to do when working with a special needs kid but sometimes you must step back and let your child show you the right path. I posted these photos online, and they went viral, what made Anthony happy in turn made others happy too and that was the start of the Facebook group.
It’s also a great insight into why I post tirelessly, to the point some people obviously get annoyed with me. (Promoting his new book) It’s what makes Anthony happy, it’s his dream and it’s my job as a mom to make that happen for him. So, no pressure, buy his book or don’t but if you do know your making some kid’s dream come true and who knows maybe it will make you a little bit happy too.
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Facebook post April 7th -
For this autism awareness month let’s bust some myths about autism.
Myth: People with autism have no sense of humor.
Truth: This may be true for some people with autism, but it is more likely that the individual expresses or shares humor in unique or less obvious ways.
I personally haven’t met anyone on the spectrum that doesn’t laugh or have a great sense of humor. I’m not even sure why it’s one of the questions they have on the diagnostic criteria, perhaps it’s more common among people with autism but I personally haven’t seen it. I remember our first evaluation for Autism when Anthony was 5 years old. The doctor said, “It couldn’t be autism because he had a sense of humor.”
Anthony always loved making people laugh, when he was only three and he called it, “Making people funny.” One of his main jokes at that time was when someone asked him how old he was he’d say, a big number like 48 and then the other person would say, “Oh, you look so young for your age!”
It took another couple years to get the proper diagnosis. Even doctors don’t understand the nuances of autism sometimes. Anthony’s still a a huge prankster and he has a great sense of humor.
It’s important to remember that every individual on the autism spectrum is different. Never judge someone by what you perceive autism to be although there may be similarities each person is as individual as your thumbprint.
Ps: it’s not his birthday but I just love this picture of him on his 13th birthday laughing because he just made a really funny joke.
For this autism awareness month let’s bust some myths about autism.
Myth: People with autism have no sense of humor.
Truth: This may be true for some people with autism, but it is more likely that the individual expresses or shares humor in unique or less obvious ways.
I personally haven’t met anyone on the spectrum that doesn’t laugh or have a great sense of humor. I’m not even sure why it’s one of the questions they have on the diagnostic criteria, perhaps it’s more common among people with autism but I personally haven’t seen it. I remember our first evaluation for Autism when Anthony was 5 years old. The doctor said, “It couldn’t be autism because he had a sense of humor.”
Anthony always loved making people laugh, when he was only three and he called it, “Making people funny.” One of his main jokes at that time was when someone asked him how old he was he’d say, a big number like 48 and then the other person would say, “Oh, you look so young for your age!”
It took another couple years to get the proper diagnosis. Even doctors don’t understand the nuances of autism sometimes. Anthony’s still a a huge prankster and he has a great sense of humor.
It’s important to remember that every individual on the autism spectrum is different. Never judge someone by what you perceive autism to be although there may be similarities each person is as individual as your thumbprint.
Ps: it’s not his birthday but I just love this picture of him on his 13th birthday laughing because he just made a really funny joke.
Want a sneak peek at his amazing talent taking photos? See this video from his Facebook post April 13th.
Here's just a small sample of his amazing photography work.
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His stunning car photography was also featured in Car and Driver Magazine...
Anthony is not only an amazingly talented photographer, but he is also an author! He has two books, with rave reviews. These are perfect Father's Day gifts...or gifts for anyone.
Anthony's second coffee table book of his photography, Shifting Perspectives
Anthony also offers this beautiful calendar. On his website you'll find many, many things that are the perfect gift item for you, or someone you know!
Facebook post April 30th
We are so grateful to Anthony and his mom for letting us share their journey, and the beautiful photography Anthony creates. We are so excited to see all your accomplishments. You've inspired all of us...thank you.
Here are all the links to follow Anthony and to purchase his book!
Here's a few comments about his book Shifting Perspectives...
Anthony's book, "Shifting Perspectives" is a truly stunning work of photographic art. I am extremely impressed with this young man's exceptional talent. I highly recommend this amazing book.
Star Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Such a beautiful book! Very high quality. I love all the history write ups! and of course the pictures are absolutely stunning!
Star Rating 5 out of 5 stars
I’m a big fan of Anthony’s photos. Classic vehicles, great perspective shots, fun themes. Enjoying every page! Happy to support a young artist with such passion! Thanks for a great book
Star Rating 5 out of 5 stars
An outstanding photography journey. Anthony's eye for detail and subject are unparalleled. I opened the book intending to read it in sections over a few days but once I started, I read it straight through. Evety image tells its own story but my favourite's are the 1940 pickup on page 21, the tribute using firefighter boots remembering 9/11, and the spread on Big Red. The section on Anthony's perspective was an interesting look into the artist. We'll done, keep up the good work.
Star Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Anthony's book, "Shifting Perspectives" is a truly stunning work of photographic art. I am extremely impressed with this young man's exceptional talent. I highly recommend this amazing book.
Star Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Such a beautiful book! Very high quality. I love all the history write ups! and of course the pictures are absolutely stunning!
Star Rating 5 out of 5 stars
I’m a big fan of Anthony’s photos. Classic vehicles, great perspective shots, fun themes. Enjoying every page! Happy to support a young artist with such passion! Thanks for a great book
Star Rating 5 out of 5 stars
An outstanding photography journey. Anthony's eye for detail and subject are unparalleled. I opened the book intending to read it in sections over a few days but once I started, I read it straight through. Evety image tells its own story but my favourite's are the 1940 pickup on page 21, the tribute using firefighter boots remembering 9/11, and the spread on Big Red. The section on Anthony's perspective was an interesting look into the artist. We'll done, keep up the good work.
Star Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Click here for more information about Anthony's book, Shifting Perspectives, and to purchase
Click here for Anthony's website
Click here to follow Anthony on Facebook