When a Chicago-area photographer gave cameras to kids with autism they took pictures of everything from flowers to pets, but it was the opportunity to see the world in a new way that proved eye-opening. Now the work of 19 children with the developmental disorder is the basis for a gallery show.

Photographer Jack Ebert, the father of a 5-year-old with autism, gave digital cameras to a group of children with special needs ages 3 to 15 for two days and told them to photograph inspirational individuals or things in their lives.

The kids took the project seriously, their parents say, focusing intently on each subject they chose to photograph. What resulted was a series of landscapes and environmental shots and photographs of family members and pets.

The photos are now part of an exhibit called “Kids with Cameras.” Proceeds from the work will benefit a local organization that helps those with autism, reports WLS-TV, the Chicago ABC affiliate.

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