Austin Wear lives in King George, Virginia.  He is a 25-year-old artist who designs and creates original jewelry.  

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Notably, he is diagnosed with Class 3 (greatly affected) autism, mild/moderate intellectual disability, anxiety disorder, and clinically diagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many of his behaviors have improved in the past few years and a professional may classify him as between Class 3 and 2.

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Austin demonstrated a creative mind very early. He enjoys drawing and has a very distinct and consistent style.  Solving math problems is a hobby he greatly enjoys.  He also loves music.  Classic video games are a leisure activity, he is most interested in the older Nintendo Game Cube and the even more dated Nintendo 64!  He is always ready for an intense rollercoaster.  He attends day support that allows him interaction with peers and daily outings with a very patient and devoted staff.  

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Austin requires extensive support for activities of daily living.  He lacks safety awareness and must always be supervised.  He is verbal but very often uses rote language,  which works in some situations but does not provide accurate communication which can be problematic.  He relies on routines.  A clinical diagnosis of OCD is easily observed when he is anxious as his obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviors consume him. Many of Austin's OCD rituals involve frequent counting, sequencing, using codes he developed, and rituals he feels he must perform.   His self-injurious behaviors have dramatically decreased as he has aged. 

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He has a few splinter skills including long-term memory for dates, especially birthdays and events. He has a perpetual mental calendar: given a random date, he can immediately determine its day of the week.  Beading is not a splinter skill, but one he learned quickly. Although he scored very low with fine motor skills; however, with beading, he demonstrates fine motor skills that are truly amazing.  Often his hands are very shaky due to the medications he takes.  His work is accomplished through pure DETERMINATION and is one component of its value.

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Austin's WearABLEs ​Austin was introduced to making beaded bracelets in January 2016. He immediately loved the new activity and was encouraged by his Positive Behavior Support consultant and Aunt.  It is a purposeful outlet for his OCD thoughts and behaviors.  He can engage in his compulsive behaviors that include counting in a purposeful way.  

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 Austin is calm and focused when beading.  With a decrease in anxiety and frustration, his undesired behaviors and self-injury have drastically decreased.  When beading his reliance on routine is much less because he is in control.  He decides when to take breaks and when to stop. The work area is designed with consideration for "Austin-specific" strategies that continue to be developed by specialists., as well as what Austin decides and suggestions from mom. 

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In 2019 Austin's mother, Leigh Wear, founded Austin's WearABLE Art.  Having a small business allowed better management for the ever-growing requests for Austin's jewelry. We are a hobby business.  Mom, aka Leigh Wear, while creative is absolutely not a "crafty" person.  She has a larger vision to allow others with disabilities who will not be gainfully employed a chance to experience success and purpose with an activity they enjoy.  

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Austin's jewelry sales help fund his beading therapy/hobby/joy and build his self-esteem. Plus, his customers receive beautiful WearABLE Art.  

 

Creating beaded jewelry helps Austin work on his social skills in a natural setting. Austin continues to struggle socially, but his jewelry provides a topic for conversation and the interaction is not contrived.  When he receives praise for his work, it can initiate natural two-way communication.   He does not have the ability to have regular employment even with assistance. Making jewelry gives him pride and dignity. He is contributing to society by donating a portion of jewelry sales (not profit; sale price) to organizations that help him and others like him. This, along with knowing his customers are happy, gives him purpose.

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Social media is another opportunity for social interaction. He has an active Facebook page and his latest designs are often posted on Instagram.  He delights in the praise and "likes" he receives from social platforms. He gives "likes" to projects and makes short comments, which often receive a reply.​

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 He truly loves the idea that the package from him will make someone happy. So much of his joy is in the packages he sends. He enjoys writing notes to his customers, packaging orders, and adding treats and surprises. ​

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A minimum of 10% of Austin's jewelry sales are donated to non-profit organizations.  We believe it is essential to recognize and support groups that strive to aid people with disabilities.  Austin has benefited personally from the services of many organizations.

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​ We have a 100% happiness guarantee.  If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we will make it right.  Always expect great customer service, respect, and gratitude. The goal is superb products and services along with helping others. This will make Austin's WearABLEs most successful. 

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