Children are often very curious about cars. They play with toy cars and imagine what it’s like to get behind the wheel. A clever 14-year-old autistic boy took his curiosity for cars in a unique direction. He created mind-blowing photos of cars that trick the eye. 

Autistic boy uses his iPhone and miniature toy cars to create mind-altering life-sized scenes

Anthony Schmidt, a 14-year-old autisic boy from the Seattle area, creates unique photos using his iPhone and miniature toy cars. By playing with visual perspective in shots, he tricks the mind into seeing the miniature toy cars as life-sized scenes, as reported by NBC News.

At 14 years old, Anthony has to wait a couple of years before he can drive a car. However, for now, he channels his love of cars through his unique mild-altering photo creations. Many of his photos depict classic cars in settings of the past. Examples include a vintage surf scene, antique cars parked outside of a church, and fueling up at a roadside gas station. By “manipulating the miniature,” the autistic boy transforms the cars into life-size.

Anthony Schmidt has a collection of 3,000 toy cars for his photographic pursuits

To aid his photographic pursuits, the autistic boy’s parent’s home serves as a warehouse holding his vast miniature toy car collection. Anthony currently has 3,000 toy cars, and he has an encyclopedic knowledge of them. When asked the names of specific toy cars on display, Anthony was quick to answer: a 1908 Ford Model T, a 1956 Ford Sunliner, and a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.

Anthony discusses how autism gives him the talent to create his mind-altering photos

Anthony’s meticulous attention to detail can be attributed to his autism. Also, he believes his ability to create the mind-bending photos is due to his condition. In response to the question, “What do you like about having autism,” he said, “Not much, but having the talent, and I probably wouldn’t be all over the internet if I didn’t have [autism].”

As Anthony noted, he has a large presence on the internet. On social media, the autistic boy currently has over 140,000 followers on Facebook and around 600,000 on TikTok. Also, many of the posts of his mind-blowing photos have gone viral. Additionally, Schmidt sells his photos, as well as books and calendars.

Words of wisdom from the autistic boy

Anthony’s mother, Romana, spoke about the positive impact of her son’s photographic creations. She said, “All of the attention from different people for his photography makes him feel so good.”

Much of the autistic boy’s collection came from his fans. This includes not only rooms filled with his miniature toy car collection but also walls of license plates. 

Anthony also credits his success and internet fame to his drive. In the interview with NBC News, he gave some parting words of wisdom. “All autism people out there should always chase their dreams. It’s the same with anyone. You should always just chase your dreams.”