Art has a way of saying what words sometimes can’t—and for 17-year-old Lyle Junaid V. Tomawis, painting has become his language. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of two, Lyle’s journey has been filled with quiet discovery, expressive colors, and boundless creativity. Today, from a humble shop in the UAE, he paints his world on bayong bags, wooden crafts, and more, turning each canvas into a conversation from the heart.
Lyle and his family moved to the UAE when he was 12. By then, his mother, Ciela Mae V. Tomawis, had already recognized the extraordinary connection her son had with art. “Lyle’s love for arts and crafts began at a very young age,” she recalled to TGFM. “As soon as he learned how to hold a crayon—around 3 or 4 years old—he started scribbling.” It wasn’t just random lines. There was a joy to it. She remembered that whenever he drew, he would hum or sing softly. “That’s when we knew his heart was happy and that he truly loved what he was doing.”
By age five or six, Lyle had already graduated from crayons to watercolor and then to acrylic paint. As someone who has Level 2 autism and communicates using limited vocabulary, painting quickly became Lyle’s most expressive outlet. “Art became Lyle’s way of expressing what he couldn’t put into words,” his mother said. “Each painting or artwork he creates is unique, depending on his mood and feelings at the time, even if the theme or motif is the same.”
The birth of Spectrum Creations AE
Ciela, an artist herself, had always dreamed of starting a business around art. That dream took a new shape during an autism awareness event, when Lyle was asked to paint on bayong bags as gifts for special guests. It wasn’t an easy task—bayong is a tough surface to work on—but Lyle enjoyed every bit of it. “My friends immediately asked if they could order hand-painted bayong bags and other art items made by Lyle,” she said. That spark gave birth to their family-run venture, Spectrum Creations AE.
Lyle isn’t just the face of the brand—he is its heart. His process is meticulous, deliberate, and hands-on. Once a client decides on a design, his mother shows it to Lyle, and the work begins. “He preps the painting surface himself—he applies the primer or sands the wooden surface,” Ciela shared. “He’s very particular about the colors he uses, mixing the paint repeatedly until it meets his liking.” His mood shapes every piece, adding layers of emotion to his work. “An art piece is not done until I hear him say that it’s ready for varnish,” she added. Lyle even glosses the finished product himself.
Among the different materials he works on—bayong bags, wooden coasters, and more—there’s one constant in Lyle’s art: a love for patterns and florals. “He would gladly paint on whatever the order is,” Ciela said. “But his fondness for patterns and florals shines through every time, creating beautiful, unique designs.”
A family behind the artist
As the creative force behind the pieces, Lyle is free to explore, while his mother handles the business operations—client communication, marketing, logistics, and packaging. “We provide an environment where he feels encouraged and free to explore his artistic talents,” she explained. “We let him make mistakes and correct himself so he can grow as an artist.”
The impact of Lyle’s work goes beyond visual appeal. It challenges perceptions and opens conversations about autism and creative potential. “People love them! Every time, they are amazed at how each piece turns out,” Ciela shared. “It’s truly heartwarming to see their reactions.” For the family, it’s not just about selling art—it’s about showing the world what’s possible. “This is exactly what we want to show—the incredible potential of autistic individuals and the beautiful things they can create.”
Their journey has become a beacon of encouragement for other families navigating similar paths. “We simply let Lyle be. We let him make a mess, make mistakes. We didn’t let growing up hinder his potential,” Ciela reflected. “Encourage your child. Build their confidence. Support what their heart desires—even in between meltdowns and stimming.”
A message of hope for other families
Quoting Pablo Picasso, she added, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Lyle has remained one—and through Spectrum Creations AE, he continues to inspire others to do the same.
Their story, like many stories shaped by resilience and unconditional support, is also one of hope. “Who would have thought that a boy who barely spoke at age three now owns his own business?” she said. “That same boy, once overwhelmed by the world around him, now shares his world with others through art.”
To families walking a similar path, her message is both gentle and powerful: “There is hope. There is always hope.”
