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Clarkston woman says her autism is a ‘gift,’ shares artwork with the world

Friday is World Autism Awareness Day

CLARKSTON, Mich. – Friday is World Autism Awareness Day and many of the four million people with autism around the world are sharing their stories in hopes of educating others about what autism is and what it isn’t.

Hannah Richey, from Clarkston, said her autism is a gift. She was looking for an outlet for her anxiety and found the answer in an art studio where she discovered so much more. She uses her talents to spread kindness to others.

Hanna Richey was diagnosed with autism just weeks shy of her third birthday. When Hanna Richey turned 22 she started struggling with crippling anxiety. As an outlet for that anxiety she took a class at the Art Experience in Pontiac. It gave her a chance to start doing something creative with her hands.

Once her work started catching on, she got more requests to make custom pieces. Now she has her own business, Hannah Joy Spectrum Designs. She’s selling her work at craft shows and pop up shops.

Hannah Richey is now selling pieces of her art to people across the country. Click here to view her page on the Art Experience. Click here to view her Facebook page.

Watch the video above for the full report.