Chris Stiles lives in a vivid world.

When he merges his imagination with colorful Sharpie pens, it can be his finest moment. Much of his world is comprised of vivid, rich colors found in morning glories, blackberries and ivy.

He has a keen, detailed memory of places he has visited--St. Paul's Cathedral in Europe, Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier and Orcas Island.

In fact, there are times when his artistic abilities seem so keen they tend to magically fade his autism into the background.

Stiles is an accomplished artist whose masterpiece, entitled "Matterhorn," won Best of Show in the City of Normandy Park Arts Festival 2008.

To date, he has created 63 drawings. His art is graphic and descriptive. Whether he creates scenes from a hillside in the forest, villages, plants in the home, or maps from memory, he is determined to produce a quality finished product. He has intensely studied nature, leaves, rocks and waves in Puget Sound. His art reflects his personal understanding and conceptualization of the world.

It is a glimpse into a world someone with autism sees.

Autism is a complex developmental disability. It impacts the normal development of the brain, in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.

People with autism tend to have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure. It can be difficult to relate to the outside world.

Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are diagnosed in one out of 150 children. It is believed three out of four of those diagnosed are boys.

As a child, Stiles seemed content. By two, though, he still was non-verbal. In 1972, at four, he was diagnosed with mental retardation, with autism tendencies.

He would not speak until age seven, yet it was determined he could read at a second-grade level at age five. He could recite the alphabet backwards.

He can still do this today as he approaches 40 in August.

Although people with autism often avoid eye contact with others, they nonetheless often have photographic memories. Colors and textures are entrancing while parents and siblings may be ignored. Some of Stiles' art feels rough, in specific instances when he has peeled off the first layer of paper, and drawn beneath it.

Sometimes he insists on covering a finished drawing in layer after layer of heavy black ink. He may leave a masterpiece on the table. He may also burn a month's worth of art work in the fireplace in thirty seconds.

When younger, Stiles made lists. To many, they could be considered exhausting, and repetitious. Some consisted of class members, pop at the local grocery store, and safety signs.

Stiles runs seven miles a day with his two greyhounds. It is not unusual to see several in the group; his mother Julie, his aunt, sometimes his sister and her baby, a Jack Russell Terrier and a German Shorthaired Pointer, belonging to the neighbor.

Julie Stiles has a simple philosophy that has had an impact on her son's life.

She is quick to explain, "You never stop growing and you never stop doing new things." She has challenged her son- not only in his art, but in everyday life.

Routine is important to Stiles. He especially enjoys visiting certain restaurants on specific days. He helps in the yard by stacking wood, filling the wheelbarrow, and doing general spruce up. He has become increasingly independent.

His mother adds, "He's great company!"

Stiles' work is being created into coloring cards- for children to color for grandparents, his black and white drawings are being incorporated into coloring books, his work is being displayed on Easter cards at church, and the art is framed and matted. Julie explains, "There are times when his final product will resemble the real thing. Other times, he sees everything different than we do."

The artwork of Chris Stiles has been displayed at the Burien Art Gallery. His matted work is for sale through his website at www.artautistic.com and at local displays.

In the future, look for Stiles' work at Burien businesses.

Social development can be one of the most severely disabling aspects of autism.

Still, on a recent day, Stiles was busy in the kitchen making tea. When asked what was for lunch, he declared, "Chinese!"