MANILA, Philippines - Jose Antonio "JA" Tan, a 24-year-old boy with autism, recently completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Canada.

Now, he's here in the country to display his masterpieces in an exhibit at the Ayala Museum, which was aptly titled "Piece by Piece -- A Selection of My Personal Best."

Tan, who started painting at age 5, said his works are inspired by his condition, which usually affects a person's communication skills.

He hopes that his paintings will give other people enough strength and motivation to get through life's many challenges.

"I became interested in water color first, then I developed into making acrylic and oil paintings. But most of all, [I like doing] acrylic [paintings]," he said in an interview with ABS-CBN's Salamat Dok.

Tan was diagnosed as a "high functioning child with autism" at age 3. His mother, Zelie Tan, said his condition was a challenge not only for him but also for the entire family.

"Looking at all his works right now and knowing what he went through, I can't express in words the happiness that we feel, that JA has become what he has become now," she said.

Autism is an intellectual disability characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and restricted and repetitive behavior. It is usually acquired at birth or early childhood.

Autismpinoy.com, a website for Filipino families dealing with the condition, said it is 4 to 5 times more prevalent in males than in females.

JA Tan's 'Piece by Piece -- A Selection of My Personal Best' exhibit is located at the second floor Glass Wing of the Ayala Museum, Makati City. It is available for viewing until August 4, 2010.