His mother hopes his journey will inspire families to recognise their children’s abilities and support their interests.
Dubai: At seven, Tatum Lafuente told his mother he wanted to become a CEO. Seven years later, the 14-year-old Grade 9 student is taking steps towards his dreams, with his artwork selected for two international exhibitions: the Peru Bienal 2026 in Lima this December and the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival in January 2027.
When his mother, Maggie, shared the news, Tatum described the opportunity as “a slice of my dream.”
For the family, the moment carries years of memories. Maggie has carefully collected his drawings, little observations and unexpected questions, each offering a glimpse into how her son sees the world. Now, some of those creations are finding an audience beyond their home.
Tatum, who is on the autism spectrum, was born and raised in the UAE. His family has lived in the country since 2006, and it has always been home.
A world shaped by imagination
Tatum was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. From an early age, he developed a strong interest in cities, skyscrapers, cars, LEGO and drawing, expressing his curiosity in his own way.
“Sometimes he says things that make us laugh, and other times he surprises us with words that are so thoughtful and meaningful,” Maggie told Gulf News.
His ambition to become a CEO first emerged when he was seven. Maggie remembers wondering how that dream might unfold, but the family wanted him to understand that his aspirations mattered.
Over the years, she began keeping small reminders of his world, including his drawings, the things he said and the questions he asked unexpectedly. His honesty and imagination, she believes, are among his most distinctive qualities.
“He doesn’t always express himself the way people expect, but when you take the time to listen, there’s so much to discover,” she said.
Growing up in the UAE, surrounded by different cultures and distinctive architecture, has also influenced Tatum’s creative interests. Maggie has noticed the country’s buildings and urban landscapes appearing in some of his drawings.
From Dubai to a quieter life in Al Ain
After spending many years in Dubai, the Lafuente family moved to Al Ain in 2025.
Maggie said the change brought a slower pace of life, giving the family more time to enjoy everyday routines and allowing Tatum to approach activities at his own pace.
Motherhood has also taught her the importance of patience. Some days bring unexpected progress, while others require more time and understanding. The family has learned to value both.
“There are days when he surprises us with how much he can do, and there are days when he needs more patience and understanding. Both are part of his journey,” Maggie said.
Rather than measuring progress only through major milestones, they celebrate smaller achievements, too. A drawing, a conversation, or something Tatum manages to do independently can become a meaningful family moment.
“These moments might seem ordinary to others, but to us, they mean a lot,” she added.
Maggie believes that giving Tatum an environment where he feels comfortable being himself has helped him develop confidence.
Tatum’s artwork selected for exhibitions in Peru and the UAE
The selection of Tatum’s artwork for the Peru Bienal 2026 in Lima and the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival in January 2027 marks an important moment in his creative journey.
For Maggie, the recognition is particularly meaningful because Tatum’s artistic interests have developed in the country where he was born and raised.
“Imagine, the little words and drawings I had been collecting as his mother are now going to be part of an art exhibition in the country where he was born,” she said.
She believes the recognition goes beyond the opportunity to display his work.
“It’s not just about making space for someone because they are different. It’s about recognizing that they have something valuable to share.”
For Tatum, the exhibitions offer an opportunity to share his imagination with a wider audience. His mother hopes the experience will encourage more families to look beyond a diagnosis and recognise the interests, abilities and individual strengths of children on the autism spectrum.
A family journey that led to supporting others
Behind Tatum’s progress is a family experience that has involved difficult decisions and periods of separation.
After his diagnosis at three, Maggie and her husband, Mosh, had questions about his development and the support he would need. They wanted to understand his needs and make sure he received appropriate care.
At one point, Maggie and Tatum stayed in the Philippines so he could attend therapy, while Mosh continued working in the UAE as a professional photographer, filmmaker,r and entrepreneur.
The separation was difficult, but the family made the decision based on what they believed was best for Tatum at the time.
The experience also encouraged them to support other families raising children on the autism spectrum. In 2019, the family started a creative venture with a wider purpose. A portion of its sales was dedicated to supporting children in the autism community in the Philippines through home-based therapy programmes and essential supplies for children and their families.
For Maggie, the initiative was a way to give back after experiencing how much support can mean to families navigating similar circumstances.
“We hope Tatum’s creativity will not only open doors for him but also help create opportunities for others. Giving back doesn’t always have to be something big. Sometimes, even a little support can make a meaningful difference in another family’s journey,” she said.
A mother’s advice to families raising children with autism
Maggie believes parents should take time to understand what their children enjoy and where their interests lie. Those interests might involve drawing, singing, music, dancing, building things, games, or something parents have not immediately recognised as a talent.
Her advice is to encourage children to explore what interests them and give them opportunities to develop at their own pace.
“Every child has their own strengths, interests, and pace. As parents, we need to listen, understand, and give them the confidence to discover what they can do,” she said.
She hopes Tatum’s experience encourages other families to look beyond the difficulties they may face and recognise the possibilities within their own children.
Tatum’s message to families raising children on the autism spectrum
Maggie also asked her son what he would like to tell other families who are raising children on the autism spectrum.
“Guide and support children on the autism spectrum. Give them the therapy they need and never punish them simply for being autistic. Be patient, show them love, and make them feel included, even when they don’t seem interested. Sometimes, they just need more time, understanding, and encouragement,” Tatum said.
The family continues to learn alongside him, celebrating his progress and supporting his interests as new opportunities emerge.
From a seven-year-old who dreamed of becoming a CEO to a teenager preparing to share his artwork in Peru and the UAE, Tatum’s journey reflects the importance of giving children room to imagine, create, and pursue what matters to them.
Sometimes, a child’s first step towards a dream begins with something simple: having someone who listens and believes that the dream deserves a chance.
Tatum Lafuente
Supplied / Source: Gulf News
