Alex Kyle Robert Raw, who has autism, gives away his paintings to help others feel understood
Alex with Sue Currey, a local buyer of his paintings(Image: Submitted)
A teenage artist from Goole who leaves paintings for others to find has been nominated for an award to recognise how his art helps people understand neurodiversity and mental health. Rather than try to turn a profit from his paintings, 19-year-old Alex Kyle Robert Raw leaves his art on the street at random locations, sharing messages of encouragement through his artwork.
Alex has been named a finalist in the Advocacy, Policy & Media category of the 2026 Dimensions Leaders’ Awards for using his books and artwork to help shine a light on mental health conditions and neurodiversity. Alex, who is autistic, attends Linkage College in Beverley. Since the age of 17, he has been turning his lived experience into creative work designed to challenge assumptions about disability and help other people feel less alone.
He has written two books describing how disability and mental health can affect daily life from his own perspective. Through his writing and artwork, Alex wants people to look beyond a diagnosis or a difficult moment and see the person beneath. His parents recognised that he was expressing his emotions through his paintings. His first painting has appeared on a book cover and merchandise, helping him share his message more widely.
Alex also uses simple, direct messages in his artwork. One painting features a handprint and invites someone feeling low to place their palm against it, alongside a message of reassurance.
He has also worked with Mark Penn at Help the Homelezz in Goole to create a wall display of his emotive paintings. Paintings displayed at the charity’s hub are offered in return for donations to support people experiencing homelessness.
The awards, organised by Dimensions, the UK’s largest not-for-profit support provider for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, celebrate people who are making a positive difference in society.
Alex said: “Being a finalist for the national advocacy award is a real achievement and I feel like my voice and my story are starting to be heard.” His message to others is: “Never give up on yourself as you are important too”.
The Dimensions Leaders’ Awards are nominated, judged, and presented by adults with learning disabilities and autistic people. The awards celebrate people who are making a positive difference through achievement, leadership, advocacy, and community action. The winners will be announced at the Leaders’ Awards ceremony in Bristol on 20 October 2026.
People can join the celebrations on the day through the Leaders’ Awards livestream on Dimensions’ YouTube channel. Find more information about the Leaders’ Awards.
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