Coronavirus: NJ artist with autism creates balloon sculptures to thank essential workers

A balloon artist in New Jersey is totally ausome.

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That is not a typo. Eddie Lin’s Facebook page, Ausome Balloon Creator, showcases the elaborate sculptures he makes. Lin, 22, of Edison, has autism. He has been creating sculptures to honor essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic, NJ.com reported.

“I think it gives people inspiration to see that even someone who has special needs knows the word ‘appreciation’ and shows gratitude in his own special way,” Lin’s mother, Jenny Lin, told CNN.

Lin created a balloon-grocery shopping cart for a manager at an Edison supermarket who was the mother of a friend, CNN reported. He also has made a balloon mailman and mail truck replica, NJ.com reported.

In previous years, Eddie Lin spent springs and early summers making balloons for weddings, parties, graduations and other celebrations. Because of the pandemic, he shifted gears and focused on essential workers, “Good Morning America” reported.

His first sculpture was for the grocery store manager as a way to cheer her up. His friend, Kay Mastrocola, asked Eddie Lin to help out.

“She says, ‘Eddie, what do you think you could do to cheer my mom up?’” Jenny Lin told CNN. “Eddie did exactly what he’s good at.”

Eddie Lin was diagnosed with autism when he was 3, CNN reported. By the time he was 10, he had learned through YouTube tutorials how to make balloon sculptures.

"Balloons just automatically give people a sense of joy and happiness,” Jenny Lin, told ABC News. “I think with this pandemic, people are getting creative and showing [essential workers] appreciation in many different ways, and this is a great way of bringing everyone together.”

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Cox Media Group