Autism Light: Musician

Showing posts with label Musician. Show all posts

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Kaylee Rodgers

Autism Light #453 is Kaylee Rodgers.

Kaylee Rodgers is a 10 year old girl with autism ADHD from Donaghadee in Northern Ireland. Kaylee Rodgers is an Autism Light because of her angelic singing of the Leonard Cohen classic, Hallelujah, in her school's choir concert in December 2016.

Kaylee Rodgers is a student at the Killard House School, a school with 200 students who have special speech needs, including those on the autism spectrum. Kaylee's mother Tracy Rodgers said, "She always loved singing, but it wasn't until she started at Killard House School that she really came into her own. [Mr. Scates is] like her safety blanket -- he's amazing (Deseret News, Herb Scribner, December 22, 2016)."

Below is the video that Nichola Martin shared on Facebook on December 18, 2016, of Kaylee Rodgers singing Hallelujah at the Killard House School program. It was posted because Kaylee was sick and could not sing in a subsequent performance scheduled with her church's Christmas choir.

The video of Kaylee Rodgers' singing has received almost 3 million views in a week. Kaylee reflected on her joy in singing the song Hallelujah and said, "It was really amazing how many views I got...I just loved doing it (ABC7 Chicago, December 22, 2016)."

If you wish to assist Kaylee with developing her talent, a GoFundMe page has been started for her. We look forward to hearing amazing things about Kaylee in the years to come.

Special thanks to Kaylee Rodgers for being a Autism Light and sharing with world her musical gift. She is an inspiration to others with autism and a blessing to all those who have heard her sing.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Jacob Velazquez

Autism Light #423 is Jacob Velazquez.

Jacob Velazquez is 7 years old and has autism. He was born on September 27, 2007 to Willie and Tina Velazquez. Jacob lives in South Florida and has been playing music on the piano since 2011, just before he turned 4. He is considered a piano prodigy with a photographic memory and has been respectfully called "Baby Beethoven", "Little Beethoven" and "Mini Mozart". Jacob Velazquez is an Autism Light for the way in which his talent in playing the piano can entertain others and give hope to others with autism as it spotlights the special gifts that some people with autism have.

Jacob Velazquez

Awards: When Jacob was four years old he won the double platinum trophy at a Stage Masters competition in Miami. Jacob was admitted to the prestigious National Musicians Guild by playing ten classical music pieces from memory.

The following is a video of Jacob Velazquez appearing on an Extraordinary Kids segment of the Steve Harvey show.

In the above video Jacob's mother, Tina, said on the Steve Harvey show, "I believe all children have gifts--with and without autism--it's just up to us to help discover them."

Tina Velazquez described Jacob's development as a musician at age 4 like this.

As he got older his behavior grew even more challenging but I also became even more aware of Jacob's capabilities. One day, shortly after his fourth birthday I heard the song playing from our family piano that my husband was playing the night before...but my husband was at work. I went to look to see who it was and to my surprise it was Jacob! I couldn't believe my eyes! It took us a while but we finally found a piano teacher that would take a 4 year old. His teacher soon became aware of his gift as he was flying through books learning 2-3 songs per week. It was so amazing to watch him. My son whom could never sit still could focus so intently on learning his songs on the piano. It seemed to be an outlet for him, helping him to express his feelings and emotions (Tina Velazquez via Autism Speaks Blog).

Hobbies: Jacob is a huge fan of Taylor Swift and even created a "Taylor" character on his wii just in case she ever comes over to play with him.

Album: Jacob is currently working on what will be his first album. He presently has two singles available for download on his iTunes page. You can also watch his first music video on YouTube based on one of the singles.

The following is a news story that was done by Channel 10 in South Florida on Jacob Velazquez. It is a follow up to an earlier story on Jacob done by Channel 10 News.

Social Media: You can follow Jacob on the following social media areas.

If you want to find out more about Jacob Velazquez visit his official website at www.jacobvelazquez.com.

Special thanks to Jacob Velazquez for inspiring the autism community with your accomplishments and entertaining the world with your talent. We hope that your story will encourage others with autism to play piano no matter what their skill level might be. We expect to be hearing much more about Jacob Velazquez in the years to come.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post was used with permission of Tina Velazquez.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

James Durbin

Autism Light #400 is James Durbin.

James Durbin was born on January 6, 1989. He is a musician from Santa Cruz, California. James Durbin has the form of autism known as Asperger syndrome and he also has Tourette syndrome. James Durbin rose to prominence in the entertainment and music world when he finished in fourth place on the tenth season of American Idol in 2011. James Durbin is an Autism Light for his anti-bullying advocacy and for the way in which his music has encouraged others with autism to reach for their dreams. In fact, James Durbin is a role model specifically to Autism Light #159, Michael Korins.

On His Autism: Kerry Magro, who was Autism Light #119, interviewed James Durbin in the Spring of 2014. James Durbin said this about his autism and the opportunity to be an autism advocate.

It makes me really proud. Proud to have Autism. Proud to be overcoming this obstacle. And especially proud to be showing the world that regardless of what label you're given, regardless of what diagnosis you have, you are not fully disabled of your dreams. It is up to us to be that difference. Spread the word & make it known that we are just as capable as everyone else. More so I think. We just need a little more time, a little extra help (James Durbin as quoted by Autism Speaks, April 8, 2014).

Here is a video of James Durbin singing the song in the finals of American Idol in 2011 called Don't Stop Believin.

Music: James Durbin has released the following recorded music.

In 2014 James Durbin produced his Album called Celebrate. His website states, "It's this musical juxtaposition of rock and pop that Durbin offers up on his eagerly awaited sophomore album, CELEBRATE.

In 2011 James Durbin produced his rock Album called Memories of a Beautiful Disaster.

Family: James Durbin married his wife Heidi Lowe on December 31, 2011. They have a son named Hunter and a daughter Kinzee Cuz.

Anti-Bullying Message: James Durbin is a spokesperson for the Be a STAR Alliance. He shares an anti-bullying message and has revealed that he was a victim of bullying growing up. James Durbin said, "If you're being bullied the best thing you can do is to tell someone. It's also, and I know from experience, it's the hardest thing to do (CBSNews.com, March 19, 2012)."

The following is a video of James Durbin being interviewed by Dr. Drew about his autism and Tourette's.

Contact: To contact James Durbin use the following email.

Booking Inquiries: Jamesdurbinbooking@gmail.com
Press Inquiries: KPPublicityGroup@gmail.com

Social Media/Websites: You can follow James Durbin on the following social media pages and websites.

Special thanks to James Durbin for being an Autism Light. James Durbin has a special talent as a singer and guitarist. We expect to continue to hear good things about James Durbin's music career and influence as an autism role model in the future.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo of James Durbin is in the Public Domain.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Johnny Orr

Autism Light #359 is Johnny Orr.

Johnny Orr is a country singer and recording artist from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the lead vocalist for The Johnny Orr Band. Johnny Orr wrote the words to the song We'll Get By (The Autism Song) which was released by The Johnny Orr Band in April 1, 2014 for Autism Awareness Month. Johnny Orr is an Autism Light for giving to the world the song We'll Get By (The Autism Song). Johnny Orr will be listed today on the Autism Light Music page along with others who have given us autism awareness music over the years at Autism Light.

Johnny Orr started The Johnny Orr Band in 2007. "Johnny's been on CMT's Big Break with Sara Evans, was a finalist for Nashville Star, has opened for Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Gretchen Wilson, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Gracin, Josh Thompson, Jeff Bates, Phil Vassar, and many more (Facebook Page for The Johnny Orr Band)." Read more about Johnny Orr at his official website at johnnyorrband.com.

The following is the official video on Johnny Orr's song We'll Get By. The song is part of The Johnny Orr Band's album "Down South" which can be purchased on iTunes.

The following video gives the inspiring story of how Johnny Orr was led to write We'll Get By (The Autism Song) after being asked to write an autism song by a friend on Facebook who has two twin sons who deal with autism everyday. Johnny Orr didn't know much about autism at the time but he waited for about a year until an idea for the song came to him and he did research to better understand autism.

Social Media: You can follow Johnny Orr on the following social media areas.

Autism Awareness Day Today. Give to your local autism organizations with your financial contributions or your time. pic.twitter.com/YVWxoXKI9z
— Johnny Orr Band (@johnnyorrband) April 2, 2014

Special thanks to Johnny Orr for writing We'll Get By (The Autism Song). It is an inspiration and benefit to the autism community to have talented recording artists helping raise awareness through their gift of music. To book Johnny Orr call Chris Keaton at 615-313-7211. We wish The Johnny Orr Band all the best as they continue to entertain more and more fans around the world with their music.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post of Johnny Orr was used with permission of Johnny Orr.

This post is dedicated to my wife Anne Stokes on her birthday. She loves North Carolina and country music. She is a wonderful autism mother.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Ka'eo and Jackie Griffin

Autism Light #347 is Ka'eo and Jackie Griffin

Ka'eo and Jackie Maraya-Griffin and sons

Ka'eo and Jackie Maraya-Griffin live in Kapolei on the island of Oahu, Hawaii with their two sons. Their oldest son Ka'eo Griffin Jr. has autism. Ka'eo and Jackie Maraya-Griffin are Autism Lights because they spread autism awareness in Hawaii as leaders of New Hope Oahu's autism ministry and as administrators of the Son-Rise Program in their son's autism treatment.

The following is a video of the testimony and song Jackie Maraya-Griffin gave at New Hope Church in Oahu, Hawaii on May 8, 2011 to spread autism awareness.

Christian Faith: Ka'eo, Sr. and Jackie Griffin are Christians and their faith provides them with the confidence that there is a divine purpose for all those with autism. Jackie said,

There is hope and beauty in autism. You can see it if you choose to. Every day can be a struggle full of obstacles if we choose to see it that way. These kids are just doing the best they can. We choose to see our son's challenges as opportunities to express an amazing love and acceptance to him in a way that no one else normally would (Email to Autism Light on 6/4/2014).

Ka'eo and Jackie Griffin have served as the Directors of the Autism Ministry at New Hope Oahu, a Christian church in Oahu, Hawaii.

Musical Theater Performer: Jackie Maraya was a musical theater performer for many years, doing shows such as Miss Saigon in Germany, the 3rd National tour of Rent, and Regional Shows such as the King & I and Flower Drum Song. Jackie took a contract to sing on the NCL Star Cruise Ship in Hawaii where she met, Ka'eo Sr. Jackie gave up being a performer so she could stay home with her son after he receive the autism diagnosis.

Son-Rise Program: The Son-Rise Program was developed by Barry Neil Kaufman and Samahria Lyte Kaufman for their son Raun in 1974. The program continues to be taught by the Autism Treatment Center of America. Jackie and Ka'eo run a home-based, child-centered, play-based Son-Rise Program for their son Ka'eo. They direct a 17 person volunteer team, who they've trained to play with their son Ka'eo in the most loving and accepting way possible, with a goal of connecting with him and building a bridge of trust from his special world into theirs.

The following video is Ka'eo Griffin explaining the great results his son had from the Son-Rise program.

Social Media: You can follow more of Ka'eo and Jackie Griffin's work in these social media areas:

Special thanks to Ka'eo and Jackie Griffin for shining their light for autism in Hawaii. Their son Ka'eo, Jr. is wonderfully blessed to have parents who have walked beside him in his journey by learning principles of the Son-Rise program. And the community of believers at New Hope Oahu is likewise blessed to have such capable coordinators of their autism ministry. If you would like to read other posts at Autism Light on individuals from Hawaii find them by searching the blog for the Hawaii label.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo of Ka'eo and Jackie Griffin and their family is used with permission and taken from their Hawaii Son-Rise website.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Jaci Velasquez

Autism Light #338 is Jaci Velasquez.

Jaci Velasquez is a Christian and Latin Pop singer from Nashville, Tennessee. Jaci Velasquez became an autism mother in the Spring of 2013, when her 5 year old son Zealand was diagnosed with autism by the Nashville Public Schools, when he started kindergarten. After the ASD diagnosis, Jaci became a spokesperson for autism advocacy and has used her singing talents in fundraising for the autism community. Jaci Velasquez is an Autism Light for how she is an autism advocate in honor of her son Zealand.

Jaci Velasquez was born on October 15, 1979, in Houston, Texas. Jaci is of Mexican, Spanish, French, Scottish, and Arab ancestry (Jaci Velasquez, Wikipedia).

Music Career: Jaci Velasquez has been inspring others through her singing for 20 years and, "she has three Platinum albums, three Gold albums, 16 number one singles, six top 10 singles, and seven Dove Awards (Christian Post, October 17, 2013)." For the latest information on Jaci Velasquez and opportunities to hear her music visit her website at www.jacivelasquez.com.

In this video Jaci Velasquez shares about her son Zealand and how God has spoken to her through being a parent.

There was also a news story done in Spanish where Jaci Velasquez reveals her son Zealand has autism.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Jaci Velasquez was named the 2013 spokesperson for the Tennessee Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Her related duties included speaking about her connection to autism and the Autism Speaks organization, performing music at their events in Tennessee, and participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony on October 5, 2013. Jaci Velasquez said about this autism advocacy role, "I am honored and humbled to take on the responsibilities of being the spokesperson of 2013. Although the emotions that I am feeling are unfamiliar and uncharted, I find comfort and unwavering support through my faith, family, and both old and new friends alike (Christian Post, October 17, 2013)."

On My Knees: Here is a clip of Jaci Velasquez as she sings one of her #1 hit songs in a live concert. The song On My Knees was released in 1996 on her debut album Heavenly Place and became the title of her "Best of" Album ten years later in 2006. Though the song was born over a decade before she became an autism mother, it's message offers hope for Christians in the autism community. When Jaci Velasquez sang this song an Autism Speaks event in 2013, she whispered before singing it, "This year I've actually found a new reason to be on my knees (Power Source Music)."

The Gift of Zealand: Jaci Velasquez has said this about her autistic son Zealand, "What Zealand has taught me, and continues to teach me each day is that societal labels don't mean a thing. I see and hear 'genius' when I read and hear 'autistic.' Being diagnosed with autism is to be presented with an original gift. My mission is to harvest the gifts that Zealand has been given, and not overlook them. I don't want to overlook these gifts in an effort to try and 'fix' whatever might seem out of place I WILL NOT overlook Zealand's gift, and I want to encourage everyone else too.. DO NOT MISS THE GIFT! (Power Source Music)."

The following video is of Jaci Velasquez singing a duet in 2013 with Michael W. Smith at a Symphony of Life concert. The featured song is Michael W. Smith's classic, Friends.

Social Media: You can follow Jaci Velasquez on the following social media areas.

Special thanks to Jaci Velasquez for being an Autism Light. Jaci's music has touched hearts for decades and her faith is now inspiring others as she walks the road of being an autism mother. We wish Jaci Velasquez the best in her music career and in her role as an autism parent. Photo: The photo of Jaci Velasquez is in the Public Domain.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Toni Braxton

Autism Light #332 is Toni Braxton.

Toni Braxton is 46 years old and from Beverly Hills, California. Toni Braxton is a singer and actress and an autism mother. Her youngest son Diezel, who is now 9, has autism. Toni Braxton is an Autism Light for her advocacy for autism and her dedication as an autism mother.

Toni Braxton is an "American R&B singer-songwriter, pianist, musician, record producer, actress, television personality, and philanthropist. Braxton has won 6 Grammy Awards, 7 American Music Awards and 9 Billboard Music Awards. Throughout the years, she has sold over 66 million records worldwide (Wikipedia, Toni Braxton, 1/6/2013) ."

In 2011 Toni Braxton told OK Magazine this about how she reacted to becoming an autism mother.

It’s been rewarding to see how he’s grown, but I remember when I first found out. I remember blaming myself; I thought it was my fault. I wish I knew what triggered it. Still, often, as a mom, I blame myself. I didn’t take my vitamins every day … maybe it was the medications I was on before I got pregnant.”

They haven’t figured out what triggers it, but whatever it is, I don’t care, find a cure. Help my kid; help all the other kids. But I had to shake myself off, and go ‘enough about me,’ and make sure my kid’s OK. Once they diagnosed him, we were able to itemize the issues (Toni Braxton, OK Magazine, April 4, 2011).

Autism Speaks: The following is the Ad Council spot that Toni Braxton did for Autism Speaks.

Lupus: Three years ago Toni Braxton revealed that she has the autoimmune disease, Lupus (Essence, November 18, 2010). Toni Braxton said, "My doctors told me I would never be able to perform again. I'm very lucky that I'm still able to dabble in it a little bit (USA Today, February 6, 2013)." In addition to advocating for autism awareness, Toni Braxton helps raise awareness about Lupus.

Braxton Family Values: Toni Braxton stars in the reality television show called Braxton Family Values that airs on WE TV. Braxton Family Values has been on the air since 2011.

Twist of Faith: Toni Braxton starred with David Julian Hirsch in the Lifetime TV movie Twist of Faith that aired on February 9, 2013. Toni's autistic son Diezel made his acting debut with a role in Twist of Faith with his mother. Here is a scene from the movie where she sings her song This Very Moment.

Singer: Toni Braxton is known as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time. Dominique Carson at the Celebrity Cafe wrote an informative article on Toni Braxton's Top Ten Songs of All-Time that includes links to song videos on YouTube where available (The Celebrity Cafe, Top 10 Toni Braxton Songs, March 8, 2013)
The following is a message about autism by Toni Braxton at a Hollywood event sponsored by Lindt of Switzerland.

More Information: For more information on Toni Braxton visit her website at www.tonibraxton.com or check out the Toni Braxton Wikipedia Page.
Social Media: You can follow Toni Braxton on the following social media areas. There are over 1 million followers of her verified Twitter account.

Special thanks for Toni Braxton for being an Autism Light and using her celebrity status to be an advocate for autism. Her talent as a musician/entertainer is without question, and it is all the more remarkable as she balances that with being an autism mother who has Lupus. We look forward to hearing more amazing things from Toni Braxton in the future.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
The photo of Toni Braxton is in the Public Domain.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Chelsea Stepp

Autism Light #330 is Chelsea Stepp.

Chelsea Stepp is a 21 year old pop singer and songwriter from Warfield, Kentucky. Chelsea's youngest sister Cammi has autism and she wrote the song Beautiful Blessing in her honor. Chelsea Stepp has been chosen as the first Autism Light for the year 2014, because of her dedication to her relationship with her sibling with autism and her amazing talent in music that is spreading autism awareness.

Here is an interview that Chelsea Stepp did about autism and her admiration for her sister Cammi as it relates to her song Beautiful Blessing.

Paper Airplane: Chelsea Stepp released her first music album on September 1, 2013 called Paper Airplane. Paper Airplanes includes 8 songs, including Beautiful Blessing. You can purchase her album on iTunes or at Amazon.

Here is the song that Chelsea Stepp sings called Beautiful Blessing. It was inspired by her younger sister who has autism and cowrote with Britton Cameron. The refrain includes these words.

Beautiful blessing, beautiful curse
Things could be better, but things could be worse
Give me your heaven, give me your hurt
Beautiful blessing, beautiful curse

Two special comments and tributes to Chelsea Stepp's song came from autism mothers by way of social media.

"Thank you for posting this song. My son is autistic and when he heard it he smiled and said, 'mom she understands me.'
"I am crying as I write this. Thank you for putting into words what many don't understand (Autism Speaks, Kentucky Singer Overwhelmed by Autism Community's Response to Her Song) ."

Website: To learn more about Chelsea Stepp visit her website at www.chelseastepp.com.

Social Media: You can follow Chelsea Stepp on the following social media areas.

If you enjoyed this post you may wish to read about the other Autism Lights with the label Siblings. These people share the special perspective in their story of having a sibling with autism.

Special thanks to Chelsea Stepp for being an Autism Light. Chelsea's music is a blessing to many and the doors her music opens to her for autism advocacy is an inspiration to the autism community.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Susan Boyle

Autism Light #329 is Susan Boyle.

Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle is a 52 year old singer from Scotland in the United Kingdom. Susan Boyle gained international fame on April 11, 2009, when she was a sensational success in her singing debut on Britain's Got Talent, where she sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. After Susan Boyle's surprise debut performance, she went on to become a professional singer and actress. Her debut album was the fastest selling debut album of all time in the United Kingdom.

Susan Boyle revealed in December of 2013, that she had been diagnosed about a year ago with Asperger's Syndrome, a high functioning form of Autism. Susan Boyle is an Autism Light for how the sharing of her diagnosis of autism can help raise understanding and acceptance of autism by adding to the list of autism legends in the music field.

Here is the full clip of Susan Boyle's 2009 audition in Britains Got Talent. Notice how her amazing singing ability surprises everyone. This video version of that night has received over 141 million views on YouTube to date. I personally never tire of watching it again.

Susan Boyle told the Guardian regarding her autism diagnosis, "I was told I had brain damage. I always knew it was an unfair label. Now I have a clearer understanding of what's wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself (The Guardian, December 7, 2013)."

In an interview with the International Business Times, Susan Boyle also said, "Asperger's doesn't define me. It's a condition that I have to live with and work through, but I feel more relaxed about myself. People will have a much greater understanding of who I am and why I do the things I do (International Business Times, December 8, 2013)."

The National Autistic Society considers Susan Boyle an example of the 'invisible generation' of adults with autism that went undiagnosed for years (BBCNews Scotland, December 9, 2013).

The following is a news story from CNN about Susan Boyle being diagnosed with autism.

The Huffington Post: The Huffington Post spotlighted Susan Boyle in their December 12, 2013 article about influential individuals with autism called These 8 People Will Change the Way You Think About Autism and Asperger's.

Movies: Susan Boyle has appeared in the following films.

In 2009 Susan Boyle starred as herself in a television special called, I Dreamed a Dream: The Susan Boyle Story. You can watch the complete version of that show here.

Susan Boyle: An Unlikely Superstar is a documentary about Susan Boyle which was produced in 2011 by Firecracker Films. You can watch the documentary on YouTube at this link.
Susan Boyle recently made her acting debut (where she wasn't appearing as herself) in The Christmas Candle (2013).

Music Albums: Susan Boyle's music is very popular in both the United Kingdom and the United States and has sold 14 million albums worldwide (International Business Times, December 8, 2013). Susan Boyle has produced the following music albums.

I Dreamed a Dream (2009)
The Gift (2010)
Someone to Watch Over Me (2011)
Standing Ovation: The Greatest Songs from the Stage (2012)
Home for Christmas (2013)

Her album I Dreamed a Dream became the fastest selling debut album in the United Kingdom. In addition, to these albums fans in the United Kingdom can hear Susan Boyle when she holds a tour of concerts.

Author: In 2010 Susan Boyle wrote the book The Woman I Was Born to Be: My Story.

Christian Faith: Several of the songs that Susan Boyle has given to the world on her popular albums are about the Christian faith. Susan Boyle credits her Christian faith for helping her cope with grief when she lost her beloved mother Bridget in 2007. She said, "That's what keeps you going. I have my faith, which is the backbone of who I am, really."(Christianity Today, November 17, 2009).

Website: To keep informed of the latest developments with Susan Boyle visit her website at www.susanboylemusic.com or you can interact with other fans at the Susan Boyle Fansite.

Wikipedia: You can find out more about Susan Boyle's life on the Susan Boyle Wikipedia Page.

Social Media: You can follow Susan Boyle on the following social media areas.

Special thanks to Susan Boyle for being an Autism Light. We expect to continue to hear amazing things from her as she shares her gift of music and represents adults with Asperger's through her example and growth.

The photo of Susan Boyle in this post is in the Wikipedia Commons.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Kidzcare

Autism Light #327 is Kidzcare.

Kidzcare is a non government organization that created the world's first autistic choir comprised of children from the Autism Society of Malaysia. The choir performed at the Dewan Fiharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur on June 28, 2010, in order to raise awareness of autism in their homeland. Kidzcare is an Autism Light for how their leadership with this autistic choir helped raise awareness of autism in Malaysia. Kidzcare becomes the first Autism Light to come out of Malaysia.

The choir's hours of practice were in preparation for a successful performance in front of dignitaries and officials at Dewan Fiharmonik PETRONAS on June 28, 2010, that included as honored guest the Prime Minister of Malaysia's wife, Datain Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor. Brian John Yim wrote a song for the choir and directed the 25 member choir through six months of practice. The following is a video of the song the autistic choir sang called, Show Me the Way.

Adam Feinstein explains this about the history of Kidzcare:

Kidzcare, a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, was started in 2010 by a group of individuals interested in helping children in need, and a desire to make Malaysia known as a caring country for kids. They recognised that there were inadequate facilities for children with disabilities in Malaysia and that they could make a positive difference to the lives of Malaysian children who have some form of disability (Adam Feinstein, 'World's First Autistic Choir' Formed, Looking Up, Volume 5, No. 4).

The advertising company Lowe & Partners sponsored the project as part of their 50th Anniversary. The following is a documentary on autism in Malaysia and the achievement of the Kidzcare autistic choir to raise awareness among corporate and government leaders in Malaysia.

Mike Plascow, Kidzcare Foundation's founder said, “The choir demonstrated that people with learning disabilities are gifted and it is a matter of giving them opportunities to realise their full potential (Adam Feinstein, 'World's First Autistic Choir' Formed, Looking Up, Volume 5, No. 4)."

For more information on the autistic choir of Kidzcare read Adam Feinstein's article 'World's First Autistic Choir' Formed in Looking Up, Volume 5, No. 4). Adam Feinstein was Autism Light #321.

Special thanks to Kidzcare for organizing the world's first autistic choir. We honor Kidzcare in this post, and also recognize that the choir could not have happened without the collaberation of many entities such as The Autism Society of Malaysia, Lowe & Partners, Brian John Yim, and Mike Plascow. The acomplishment of this choir is a testimony in Malaysia and to all of the autism community around the world about the potential of children with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Ethan Walmark

Autism Light #309 is Ethan Walmark.

Ethan Walmark is an 8 year old boy from Westport, Connecticut, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. His parents call him their "perfectly imperfect son". Ethan has gained national attention for the amazing talent he has at playing the piano. Ethan Walmark is an Autism Light for his demonstration of the extraordinary musical talent that springs forth from someone with autism, and for how that gift is blessing others.

Thousands from both in and outside the autism community were introduced to Ethan Walmark when a video made of him playing Billy Joel's Piano Man went viral on April 25, 2012. Here is an Autism Speaks video of Ethan Walmark performing that same piece at an Autism Speaks to Wall Street: 6th Annual Celebrity Chef Gala in New York City on October 9, 2012.

Praise from Billy Joel: Billy Joel has commented on Ethan Walmark's talented use of his music saying, "I think I like his intro to 'Piano Man' better than mine. And this kid plays with a lot more energy than me. Maybe he could teach me a few things (Read the Billy Joel Quote in the Washington Post)."

Meeting John Mayer: Ethan Walmark was able to meet his idol John Mayer recently. Ethan's mother, Allison Walmark, wrote an article about Ethan meeting John Mayer on an Autism Speaks blog (Read Allison Walmark's Article on John Mayer Meeting Ethan Walmark). The following is the YouTube video prepared when Ethan was inviting John Mayer to meet with him.

NBC's Today Show: On May 2, 2012, Ethan Walmark was featured on NBC's Today Show. You can learn about that appearance at in an article about Ethan Walmark on the Today Show at the Autism Speaks Website.

Light It Up Blue 2013: Ethan Walmark joined Autism Ambassador Yoko Ono on April 2, 2013, to turn the switch to light up the Empire State Building to start Autism Awareness Month in 2013 (Read More about Light It Up Blue at the She Knows Website).

Fundraisers: Ethan has been scheduled to play at at a variety of fundraisers across the country. On August 8, 2013, he peformed at the Cabinets Furniture & More's fundraiser in Hershey, Pennsylvania benefiting Autism Speaks (Read More at an Article on Ethan Walmark at the Penn Live Website).

Social Media: You can follow Ethan Walmark on the following social media areas:

Ethan's Mother Allison Walmark's You Tube Channel. His mother's YouTube Channel has other videos of his music.
Ethan Walmark's Facebook Page

Special thanks to Ethan Walmark for being an Autism Light. Ethan's musical talent is a blessing for the autism community. We wish Ethan Walmark continued success as he develops as a musician. For other individuals with autism who display musical talent visit the Autism Light Music Page.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Logan Blade and Josh Turner

Autism Lights #303 are Logan Blade and Josh Turner.

Josh Turner

Logan Blade is a young man with autism from Columbia, Tennessee. Josh Turner is a country music singer from Nashville. Logan Blade and Josh Turner are being named Autism Lights on the same day because of the relationship their two stories have with each other. Logan Blade is inspiring others with his musical talent that breaks through the typical limitations of his autism. Josh Turner is one of Logan Blade's favorite singers, and the country star made a tremendous difference in the life of this musician with autism, when the two met and sang together for a song at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

Although he is chiefly nonverbal outside of the realm of music, Logan Blade currently sings publically at a variety of venues with a packed schedule. Christine Seiber at The Columbia Herald did a news feature on Logan's amazing talent in March of 2013.

Here is a special report from Stacy McCloud of FoxNashville on Logan Blade's life of being diagnosed with autism to how he currently has an amazing gift for music.

Logan Blade's dream was to sing at the Grand Ole Opry with Josh Turner and Josh Turner helped make that dream come true (Read More in an Article by Taste of Country Website). The following is a video from the night on May 28, 2013, at the Grand Ole Opry, where Josh Turner and Logan Blade sang together Josh Turner's signature song called Long Black Train.

Logan Blade Fitting In: Logan Blade's debut album was Fitting In (2012). He sings a few Josh Turner songs as well as some of his own in this album. You can purchase that album at CDBaby or ITunes.

Social Media for Logan Blade: You can follow Logan Blade at the following social media areas:

Josh Turner/Punching Bag: Josh Turner is currently on tour and his latest album is called Punching Bag (2012). For information on purchasing Josh Turner's music or hearing him on tour visit his website at www.joshturner.com.

Social Media for Josh Turner: You can follow Josh Turner on the following social media areas:

Special thanks to Logan Blade and Josh Turner for being Autism Lights. Logan Blade is an example of the amazing talent in music that some people with autism have. Josh Turner is an example of a star that has made a difference for autism by being a role model and hero to someone with autism. We wish Logan and Josh success as they continue to entertain others through their music.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photo of Josh Turner in this post is in the Wikipedia Commons.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

The Beach Boys

Autism Light #299 is The Beach Boys.

The Beach Boys are a Rock band that formed in 1961, in Hawthorne, California. They became a sensation for hit songs such as Good Vibrations, Wouldn't It Be Nice, God Only Knows, and Surfin' USA (Source). The original members of the band were Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine. David Marks and Bruce Johnston are also current members of the group and Dennis and Carl Wilson are deceased. The group has been entertaining fans for half a century, but quite possibly their biggest fan is a young man who has autism. The Beach Boys are an Autism Light for the way their music has helped a 22 year old boy with autism named Brett Werner over the years.

Brett Werner: On August 2, 2013, Brett Werner got his dream of getting to meet The Beach Boys, when their music tour came to the Detroit, Michigan Metropolitan area, where Brett Werner lives. The music of The Beach Boys is able to calm and soothe Brett Werner, who listens to their music all day. Although Brett Werner is nonverbal he is able to say two words, "Beach Boys." A news story and video created by WXYZ.com is at this link.

Brett Werner's admiration of The Beach Boys has also been an inspiration to famous band. Beach Boy, Mike Love, said, "I guess it's the ultimate compliment for us--that our music is a tribute (Source)." A CBS Sunday Morning news story on The Beach Boys celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2011 is available at this link.

Michael Brenner: Brett Werner isn't the only young man with autism who is a fan of The Beach Boys. Here is Michael Brenner singing his own version of The Beach Boys' song Surfin' USA. Michael has autism.

For more information on The Beach Boys visit their Wikipedia Page.

Special thanks to The Beach Boys for being an Autism Light and giving good vibrations to people with autism by their beloved music. I have the feeling if all the autism stories were known we would find that there more than a few more people with autism who are fans of The Beach Boys.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photo of The Beach Boys with this post is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia. It was taken by Louise Palanker.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

John Schneider

Autism Light #271 is John Schneider.

John Schneider is an actor and musician from Agoura Hills, California who is probably best known for his role as "Bo Duke" in the 1980's television show The Dukes of Hazzard. John Schneider has a personal reason for having a passion for autism causes. John Schneider's son Chasen has the form of autism known as Asperger's. John Schneider is an Autism Light for his role as an autism father, his advocacy for autism and for helping to show how actors can help the cause of autism. Actors for Autism: The following is a Public Service Announcement that John Schneider did for Actors for Autism.

Autism Speaks: John Schneider has worked with the autism organization Autism Speaks. John Schneider said, "My involvement is raising funds for their cause as well as speaking to people, firsthand, about the experience of raising a wonderful young man who is among those on the spectrum (Source)."
Acting Career: John Schneider has a prolific acting career. His first and most famous role was as Bo Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, which started when he was just 18. He also starred in 100 episodes of Smallville, where he played Jonathan Kent, the father of Superman. In addition, he had a recurring role on Dr. Quinn: Medicine Women. You can view his complete list of acting roles on his IMDb Webpage.
The following is a video of John Schneider singing the song "Just The Good Ole' Boys" with Tom Wopat in the last performance at Nashville Now.

Music Career: John Schneider is also a country music singer who has recorded over 10 albums. In 1985, his album, A Memory Like You featuring the song What's a Memory Like You (Doing in a Love Like This) was #1 on the charts.
Children's Miracle Network: In 1982, John Schneider co-founded with Marie Osmond the Children's Miracle Network to meet the needs of children while they are receiving hospital care.
Larry King Live: The following video features John Schneider with some other entertainers talking about autism on Larry King Live in 2013.
John Schneider explained that he is involved in charities that are important to him personally:

That is why I helped start the Children's Miracle Network 25 years ago. A child's experience while in a hospital happens to really mean something to me. How kids on the autism spectrum are treated and how those around them are educated about their specifics is truly important to me (Source).

Christian Faith: While living with Johnny and June Cash, John Schneider converted to Christianity (Source). Schneider continues to be practicing Christian to this day. John Schneider also starred in the Christian movie, What Would Jesus Do?

FaithWorks Productions: John Schneider founded FaithWorks Productions in 1995 to produce family oriented films and media. Over the years many films have been produced by FaithWorks. In 2012, John Schneider produced two pro-life films in the same year (Paul Bond, Hollywood Reporter, March 29, 2012).

Advice to Parent about Autism: John Schneider has given this advice to parents of those on the autism spectrum.

Autistic kids, as well as adults, are amazing people who we can learn from. I believe the best thing you can do is to help them focus on something they are truly interested in, and you will be amazed at what they can accomplish! For example, my son, Chasen, was interested in both sport and history of body building when he was eleven. He focused and was published in two separate magazines on the sport with the byline "But what do I know...? I'm just a kid!" (This quote was taken from a website on Internet that has a broken link).

Additional Information: For more information on John Schneider visit these websites.

Social Media: You can follow John Schneider in the following social media areas.

Facebook Page for John Schneider Studios - Verified
Twitter @John_Schneider - Verified Account
YouTube Channel of John Schneider

Special thanks to John Schneider for all he does for those with autism. John Schneider's work as an Autism Light is an important help to the autism community.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
The photo of John Schneider in this post is in the Public Domain and is attributed to Phil K. Onstantin.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Kyle Coleman

Kyle Coleman is 25 years old and from Gwithian, Cornwall in the United Kingdom. Kyle was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and while Kyle is noverbal, his voice comes to life when he sings. Kyle Coleman is an Autism Light for how his success in music can serve as an inspiration to others in the autism community and to foster autism awareness.

Kyle's mother said, "It became clear almost immediately that Kyle had a natural affinity with musical elements and could recreate his favourite songs on the keyboard with no prior musical knowledge. It is when he sings though that his songs come to life. His personality and emotion shine through his singing and this has made it possible for us to develop a special relationship and for Kyle's abilities and confidence to soar (Source)."

After finishing school in 2009, Kyle's mother enrolled him at the Cornwall Music Therapy Trust in Redpath and music therapist Carine Kelley has been working with Kyle since then (Source).

2012 Album: Kyle Coleman released his album Therefore I Am on February 20, 2012. It is available for purchase on iTunes or at Amazon. The genre of his music is Rock. The National Autistic Society (NAS) supported it. The song "Just Listen" was written by Lucy Skye and is a song about communicating with autistic people (Source).

Here is the official video of Kyle Coleman singing one of his songs about autism, called "Just Listen".

The Sun reported that "despite being unable to talk, Kyle has the remarkable vocal chords of a popstar. Kyle is the first non-verbal autism sufferer in the UK to release his own record covering songs by some of the greatest vocalists of our generation (Source)."

2013 Album on Autism: Kyle Coleman's Facebook page says, "Just to let everyone know that Kyle will be releasing a new album in 2013 that will portray the many facets of autism. Each track will be quite diverse and experimental in genre and will highlight Kyle's musical versatility. :) (Source)" This is very exciting news and Autism Light looks forward to this release.

Social Media: You can follow Kyle Coleman's musical career on his official website at http://kylecoleman.co.uk/ or through this social media.

Special thanks to Kyle Coleman for singing and serving as an inspiration to the autism community. Kyle's story is a message that even nonverbal people with autism have something special to contribute to this world, and in Kyle's case it has been his music. We look forward to hearing great things about his music and autism awareness productions in the future.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photos in this post were posted on Kyle's Facebook page are used with permission of Kyle's mother Caroline (Source).

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