A SCHOOLBOY with Asperger’s syndrome is hoping to make waves in the art world after his first exhibition at an art festival.

Elliot Pryor showcased his artwork at the Lindfield Arts festival in Haywards Heath and received glowing praise from fellow artists, and even sold one of his pieces.

The 12-year-old discovered his love for art only 18 months ago after joining in a sensory art session. Elliot was even commissioned for a piece which now sits in a personal collection in Manchester.

He attends LVS Hassocks, a school for young people with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, and uses innovative ways to create his artwork including blowing paint through drinking straws and drumming with two paint brushes. Elliot said: “I use paintbrushes that can hold paint and when you move them very fast the paint comes off them.

“I like to use different colours red, blue, green, yellow and mixtures.”

Proud mother Emma Pryor has seen a change in her son since he took up art. She said: “He expresses himself through his art now and really enjoyed talking to artists and visitors about his work at the Lindfield Arts Festival, it was excellent for his confidence.

“They were saying he is one to watch and very talented. It was all really positive.

“Elliot suffers from severe anxiety due to his Asperger’s syndrome - so it is a good release for him and a way of helping with sensory issues, as well as a way of releasing tension in his body.

Now Elliot is looking forward to a career in art. He said: “I paint once a week, but that could be like six at a time.

“I really hope to be an artist in the future.”

The art-loving schoolboy is setting his sights high.

Following a period of not attending school for nearly four years, due to difficulty adjusting to life at mainstream schools, Elliot is now blossoming.

After joining LVS Hassocks a year ago the school has helped him manage his autism with a personal development plan.

Emma said: “We have watched Elliot’s confidence and trust in school staff grow, which has reduced his anxiety and he is now re-engaging with learning – attending four days a week and making use of the other outlets the school provides to encourage interaction such as music, gardening and fishing.

“As a family we are reaping the benefits of Elliot being happy at school. He is much calmer, challenging behaviour rarely appears and he is now much more independent.

Head of Centre at LVS Hassocks Kira Brabenec said: “We are very proud of Elliot. For his artwork to be exhibited – and selling – at just 12-years-old is amazing.”