Clock Collection Helps Connect Edison Student To The World

EDISON, NJ — Emilio Depasquale, 18, loves collecting clocks. This love spawned an entire room at home dedicated to his 75-clock collection, the most precious being a grandfather clock from 1869.

This love also allowed Emilio, diagnosed with autism at age two, a new way to engage with the world.

Through middle school Emilio would hardly communicate with people. In class, he stared at the clock constantly.

But his parents, Michelle and Tony Depasquale, knew there was something more to Emilio’s love for clocks than just staring at them.

It was a trip to a local garage sale, that actually kickstarted Emilio's hobby.

“We went to a garage sale when Emilio was around 14-years-old. He went up to the homeowner and asked if he had any clocks,” said Michelle.

“I was surprised because at the time, he hardly spoke to people. That really started his collection.”

Emilio’s hobby, said Tony, has given him purpose. “If it wasn’t for these clocks, he would be sitting and staring at his computer.”

As parents of two special needs children, Michelle and Tony are always looking for opportunities to keep their children engaged.

They took Emilio’s interest in clocks further and helped him build his collection.

Emilio’s hobby now has the entire family involved.

When Emilio first began his clock collection, Tony was keen to find groups that shared similar interests.

He finally found groups of clock collectors in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

In 2019, the Depasquale family drove to the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors Convention in Pennsylvania.

“They asked participants to bring their clocks. So, Emilio got his and even spoke about his clock,” said Tony.

“There were a lot of older people at the convention. They were glad to see someone young collecting clocks as a hobby.”

At the convention, Emilio won a $150 gift certificate, and he purchased more clocks.

His parents not only support Emilio’s hobby, but encourage him to take care of his clocks through regular dusting and cleaning.

On March 14, Emilio spent more than two hours setting the clocks back for daylight saving.

More recently, Emilio has turned his attention to repairing clocks.

“I posted something on Facebook the other day. A lady messaged and asked if Emilio would like to repair a clock,” said Tony.

Father and son then worked together on repairing it. “The lady picked up her clock, paid Emilio in cash and gave him another clock. He was so excited,” said Tony.

Michelle, a former elementary school teacher, and Tony, a video producer, are active community members, advocating for children with autism.

They often help families by sharing their story and answering questions on navigating situations.

Over the years, they’ve learnt that as parents of children with autism, one should “never give up hope.”

“When parents get to know that their child has autism, it's devastating,” said Tony.

“But if your child shows interest in something, let them try it.”

Currently a high school student, Emilio’s favorite clock isn’t the 1869 priceless antique. Instead, it’s a $10 clock he brought from Ikea.

“I like collecting clocks because I like how they tick,” said Emilio.

“He loves clocks and has so many,” said Tony. “But when I ask him what time it is, instead of looking at his clock, he asks Alexa.”

(April is National Autism Awareness Month. You can find links to various resources at the CDC website. Click here)

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