9-yr.-old Ifugao clay artist captures attention during Intertwined Arts & Fashion Fair

Lagawe, Ifugao – At just 9 years old, a young artist captivated hearts with her intricate miniature clay creations during the recently concluded ‘Intertwined: Ifugao Arts and Fashion Fair’ held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Lagawe on July 17–19, 2025.

Sofi Amaris Martin, grade 4 and from Mayoyao Ifugao, is diagnosed with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the mildest form of ASD and often referred to as ‘requiring support’. This, however, did not hinder the young gifted artist from joining the event and confidently displaying her miniature clay arts with the guidance of her mother, Sioneta, one of the pioneers of Mayoyao Artists Guild.

The 9-year-old earned over P3,000 out of her 46 miniature arts made with molding oil-based clay during the exhibit.

Sofi’s condition

Sofi’s parents, Sioneta and John, weren’t able to confirm Sofi’s condition until she was seven.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Sioneta recounted that Sofi began showing signs of ASD at 3 years old, but she didn’t know what those were yet. The signs include echolalia (repetition of words or actions), hand-flapping, social and communication deficits, sharp memory, and visuospatial abilities (cognitive abilities), among others.

“…there were signs when she was turning 3 and hindi pa talaga makapagsalita ng simple sentences. But she can answer questions pag may ituturo ako sa kanya, but not in a conversational way. She preferred solitary play din, umiiwas makipaglaro sa ibang mga bata. We thought she's ok pa,” she recounted.

Sioneta further shared that a friend who worked as a Special Education (SPED) teacher in the U.S. gave her the number of a developmental pediatrician in Baguio. After months of waiting, Sofi was diagnosed with Level 1 ASD at age 7.

“….when she [the doctor] told me, confirmed na Level 1 ASD, natulala din ako. Dun pa lang magstart na mag sink in lahat lahat. It took me almost 5 years to get the answer to my questions. It felt like my daughter is crying for help e wala man lang ako magawa. Getting the diagnosis was the biggest step, para matulungan ko siya,” she shared.

On her creative skills

While she began exploring creative works at a young age, just like any other kids, Sofi’s interest in arts did not dwindle; it was rather amplified, making it a part of her daily life. As she showed strong attachments to toys and characters, they became the basis of her artworks.

“Her preferences also changed over time; intense attachment to things like toys, characters. She would also draw; she likes drawing better than painting,” Sioneta said.

As of now, she’s exploring digital art, using her phone and computer drawing programs, to which Sonieta said, “….she still needs guidance to grow her skills in this area.”

The Martins’ message and advocacy

To Sofi and her parents, it wasn’t the money that mattered but the warm appreciation and acknowledgement of the people toward Sofi’s artworks.

Sonieta also encouraged mothers who might see some signs of ASD in their kids to trust their instincts, trust God, and focus on the child, not on others’ judgments. She noted that early diagnosis can make a difference.

“Please consider seeing a pediatrician because getting a diagnosis early can make a big difference in how you support your child. Trust your instinct. Most importantly po, trust God to guide you in this journey. And don’t mind the judgmental eyes, meron at meron manghuhusga, pero your child’s well-being matters more than their opinions,” she concluded.