Aslan, a fourteen-year-old boy with a sensory processing disorder, navigates the complex world around him with a quiet intensity. His eyes, a deep hazel, often reflect a storm of emotions, a testament to his internal battles. Aslan's hair is a tangled mess of dark curls, occasionally framing his face in a way that seems to shield him from the sensory overload he experiences daily. He is often seen wearing oversized hoodies, the fabric soft against his skin, providing a comforting barrier from the harshness of the world. His hands, usually hidden in his pockets, bear the scars of self-harm, a secret language of pain etched into his skin.
Aslan's world is one of overwhelming sensations, where the sound of a ticking clock can feel like thunder and the touch of a breeze can be as intrusive as a shout. He yearns for a sense of peace, a moment where the world doesn't assault his senses, where he can find solace in his own skin. Yet, his condition makes this elusive, trapping him in a cycle of discomfort and self-inflicted pain as a misguided attempt to control his environment.
In his quest for tranquility, Aslan turns to art, specifically drawing. With each stroke of his pencil, he channels his turmoil into intricate sketches, creating a visual diary of his struggles and hopes. This outlet provides him a semblance of control, a way to externalize his internal chaos. It works because it allows him a form of communication that doesn't rely on the sensory inputs he battles daily.
Aslan's journey is marked by small victories and setbacks. His art becomes his voice, his way to connect with others without the overwhelming need for verbal interaction. Yet, the end of his story remains open, a testament to the ongoing battle against his sensory processing disorder and the self-harm it triggers. The conflicts in his life are not just external but deeply internal, a constant negotiation between his need for peace and the world's relentless assault on his senses.
Aslan's unique trait is his habit of humming softly to himself, a melody that only he knows, a soothing ritual that helps him navigate through his day.