JL Australian Nominee to Canada

Jean-Louis Hétu is a fourteen-year old boy with autism who commenced painting at the age of eight. It was at this time that the need for an activity to restore his mental health, self-esteem and general well-being was identified. Jean-Louis found that activity in art, particularly in the medium of painting. Through painting, Jean-Louis was not only able to gradually recover his health, but also his ability to concentrate for progressively longer periods in order to complete required academic and learning tasks.

Highlights of this artistic journey are First Prize Disabled Category in the 2012 Port Adelaide Rotary Art Show for the painting, “I Was Happy At Five” and Second Prize in the Under-15 Category in the 2013 Port Adelaide Rotary Art Show for the painting "I Am The Wind". Jean-Louis has also been recognised for his drawings through a Merit Award for his "Monster" drawing at the 2013 Royal Adelaide Show and for "Blue Train" at the 175th Anniversary Royal Adelaide Show (2014).

He has been nominated in the category "Performing Arts Award" for his acting role in Unley Dream Catcher - a documentary adventure of his own life - as well as his roles in creating the science fiction adventure "Dr. Art Goes to Unleywood".

For the 2015 ANCA® World Autism Festival™ , Jean-Louis has been invited to be a representative Ambassador for Australia. Please support him to facilitate his journey from South Australia, Australia to British Columbia, Canada.