Healing Power of Art Connects Artist and His Care Team

CLINTON TOWNSHIP – Dylan Somberg couldn't stop screaming five years ago during his first visit to the rapid infusion clinic at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. Too many strangers trying to touch him. And the poking and pinching from the needles led to sensory overload.  

Somberg, 30, has autism and suffers from a dermatological condition called hidradenitis suppurativa – a long-term condition characterized by inflamed and swollen lumps on his skin, which are painful when they break open. He’s had three surgeries related to the skin condition. 

His mother, Jeannine Somberg, takes him to the infusion clinic every four weeks to keep the condition in check and prevent additional surgeries.  

“We needed some kindness in the beginning,” she said. “Dylan would scream when people touched him because he has a fear of needles.” 

Knowing sensory issues are common for people with autism, Dylan’s care team worked tenderly and tirelessly to make him more comfortable with each visit, giving him a special room where he could have the freedom and safety to let out his emotions, and “treating him with compassion. It has been a blessing to have people who truly care and go out of their way to help,” Jeanine said. 

The team worked to connect with Dylan by getting to know him over the course of his monthly visits. When they noticed him drawing while he waited for treatment, they used his love — and talent — for art to strengthen their bond. 

“We enjoy talking to him about it! And talking about his interests helped Dylan feel less anxiety and stress about getting his treatment every month,” said Lisa Smith, an oncology nurse at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. 

Dylan showed them his work — bright, colorful paintings and drawings that eventually made their way from Dylan’s sketchbook and studio to the walls of the clinic and the homes of his care team.  

One nurse bought one of Dylan’s paintings because it reminded her of her friend’s cat. Others have been moved to add Dylan’s abstract or impressionist pieces to their personal collections.  

And now, five years after Dylan’s first visit, new patients who may be experiencing their own anxieties and emotions, are greeted by Dylan’s whimsical painting of a purple giraffe wearing glasses and three bowties. 
 
“We support Dylan and his artistic talent because we care about his interests and hobbies,” Smith said. “We were proud and excited to hang the giraffe for all our patients to enjoy.”   

Those who see the giraffe may not know why it was chosen to hang on the wall, but it’s a sign that the clinic is full of people who care.  

“I can’t say enough about how caring Dylan’s team at Henry Ford Health has been – especially with the stigma that autism sometimes gets,” Jeannine said. “I go there with him and it’s all good. There’s no judgement. That is really a nice feeling.” 

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MEDIA CONTACT: mediarelations@hfhs.org