“If my mom can’t be there, we both know we can count on Bryan. He’s a big, tall guy with a huge heart. I’m lucky to know him, and I admire him every day.”
— Grant, The Eco-Artist
This statement was shared with me by the mother of a young man I have had the privilege of working with at Treffert Studios. His name is Grant—the Eco-Artist. He is internationally known for his bold environmental artwork, unique neurodiverse perspective, and ability to create beauty from discarded materials. After I dried my tears, what struck me most when I read his words was not his admiration. It was the depth of his trust in me.
In our field, we often speak of building relationships. But Grant’s reflection reminded me that relationships are not just the backdrop of our work—they are the bridge. The bridge to growth, to courage, to identity, and ultimately to potential.
The Role of Relationship in Human Development
Dr. Darold Treffert, whose work continues to guide the mission of Treffert Studios, emphasized the importance of seeing the person first, not the label. His approach was never about fixing deficits—it was about unlocking gifts. And that unlocking, I have found, is always made possible through relationship (Treffert, 2014; Treffert, 2019).
Neurodivergent individuals often navigate systems that misunderstand or underestimate them. Relationships that are built on mutual respect, safety, and genuine curiosity become an antidote to those systems. They become places where a person can exhale and begin to emerge. But for that to happen, the relationship must be authentic. Not transactional. Not hierarchical. But rooted in a shared human experience.
Grant’s Journey: From Connection to Flourishing
I met Grant and his mother, Julie, at an autism conference. Grant and I bonded over gaming, art, and a shared love of creative thinking. Our connection wasn’t orchestrated. It was organic. That’s what made it powerful. When he later moved to Wisconsin, he cited me as one of the main reasons for his decision. That humbled me. But more than that, it reminded me of a truth we don’t speak often enough in professional circles: we don’t just help people succeed. We help them feel safe enough to try.
And when people feel safe and supported, what they’re capable of can surprise even them.
Since coming to Treffert Studios, Grant has continued to flourish. He completed a degree in graphic design with straight As and is now pursuing a second degree in animation. He continues to expand his artistic talents in new and inspiring ways. Grant has also illustrated a children’s book series, written by his mother, focused on neurodiversity, and using storytelling to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked. In addition, he is a respected public speaker and autism advocate, using his platform to create understanding and hope.
These successes are not the result of one program or a single person. They are the fruit of relationship-centered environments that honor the whole person. Grant knew he was safe. He knew he belonged. And when he knew someone had his back, he soared.
Relationships Create Space for Growth
In the strength-based model we use at Treffert Studios, we don’t begin with goals. We start with connection. We ask: who are you? What brings you joy? What do you already know about yourself that others have missed?
The answers to these questions don’t come quickly. But when they come through the context of a trusted relationship, they are honest and empowering. I’ve seen once silent individuals become creative leaders. I’ve seen resistance transform into confidence. Not because we had the right program—but because we had the right relationship (Kay, 2019; Subotnik et al., 2019).
From Isolation to Inclusion
Many of the individuals I work with have experienced exclusion—both overt and subtle. They’ve been told their ways of thinking, feeling, or interacting are “too much” or “not enough.” The truth is, these individuals don’t need fixing. They need witnessing.
When we build relationships that celebrate, not tolerate, differences, we create environments where diversity becomes an asset, not a liability. Grant, in all his brilliance, needed only one thing: a space that allowed him to be himself fully. The relationship we built simply supported and valued his gifts.
Conclusion: A Call to Deepen Connection
Grant’s words were a gift to me. They reminded me that what we build with others’ lives is far beyond any curriculum, schedule, or task. It lives in the way someone feels when they’re around us. It lives in the space we create for them to become.
In a world increasingly focused on efficiency and outcomes, the future of human development depends on our willingness to slow down and build relationships that matter. These are not soft skills. They are sacred skills. They are the very foundation upon which personal transformation is possible.
At Treffert Studios, Dr. Treffert taught us that in every interaction we have, and I try to carry this truth: when you build a space of trust, potential will rise to meet it. And if you’re lucky, someone like Grant will remind you that what you’re doing matters.
References
Kay, S. I. (2019). On human potential: Nurturing talent and cultivating expertise. Rowman & Littlefield.
Subotnik, R. F., Olszewski-Kubilius, P., & Worrell, F. C. (2019). The psychology of high performance: Developing human potential into domain-specific talent. American Psychological Association.
Treffert, D. A. (2014). Islands of genius: The bountiful mind of the autistic, acquired, and sudden savant. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Treffert, D. A. (2019). The savant syndrome: An extraordinary condition. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 364(1522), 1351–1357.
Bryan Mischler, LCSW. Bryan’s focus is on strength-based approaches empowering clients to use their gifts and strengths as the foundation of their treatment. He also specializes in in working with those on the autism spectrum that may be struggling with anxiety, depression or need to increase their social understanding. Other specialties include ADHD, developmental delays in children and career development, EMDR and neuro/biofeedback to treat trauma, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorders.
