Editor's note: Information used to create this story came from IPMG, a statewide organization providing case-management services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Art has opened up the world for Daniel Trent of Garrett.

Trent has autism, and he has difficulty expressing himself through reading and writing. Through art, however, he communicates his feelings, needs and goals.

“So he draws and paints and sketches out entire stories, and we learn about his interests through his art,” his mother, Nancy, said in a news release. “It's wonderful.”

Trent's art and that of other IPMG clients will be part of a traveling exhibit making its way to Fort Wayne and a few other communities in the state during 2010, a news release said.

The Trents credit Garrett High School and art teacher Mark Ober there for helping their son develop his interest and talent in art, the news release said.

A school worker noticed Trenthad an interest in art, and Ober was asked if Trentcould join his advanced art class.

In the beginning, Trent was quiet and didn't interact with other students, Ober said in the news release. Over time, Trent became just like any other student — working independently on his painting and pottery projects and interacting with fellow students.

Trent, a 2009 graduate of Garrett High School, said he enjoys painting, especially “things I see and things I like, like movies I watch,” he said in the news release.

Because the paintings are about things he sees or is interested in, his art gives his parents a better idea of what matters to him, the news release said.

“Mr. Ober's impact on Daniel was incredible,” Nancy Trent said. “We can't say how much we appreciate what he did for our son during his time at Garrett.”

Nancy and Dan Trent now are working to ensure their son has continued opportunities to learn and develop his art and other interests.

Trent is being assisted with that through IPMG and a Medicaid waiver program offered through the Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration's Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services, the news release said.

Trent, who works as an assembler at an organization in Garrett, one day hopes to create representations of movies in a comic book format, the news release said.

“I'd like to work at a costume store or even be a designer,” he said.