How Music For Autism Makes A Difference In People's Lives

Ali	Jordan	Jonathan

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Parents’ Comments:

I want to thank you for yesterday's Music for Autism performance. It was really great that, upon our arrival, there were volunteers from your organization waiting in the lobby who checked us in, escorted us to the auditorium, explained a bit about the performance and helped us find seats. It made arriving in a busy and unfamiliar location stress-free.

Watching the kids dancing around while the music played was awesome. I didn't think our son, Ethan, would participate — he usually doesn't in crowded and noisy situations — but he stood up and took the hand of a volunteer and went! He ran around and was happy and smiling the whole time!

My husband and I have NEVER been able to go to an event and sit back and watch Ethan from afar like that. And there he was — participating and being himself and it was okay. Outings are usually filled with stress and trepidation (on my part) and often it's too hard for Ethan (like most recently when we went to a performance of “Frosty the Snowman” and had to leave the theater at intermission). So it was really something for us to watch him at yesterday's concert — my husband and I had tears in our eyes. And when it was over, Ethan looked at me and said, “happy!” That was really incredible. Thank you so much for this experience. It was truly a gift.

Susan Eisenberg, mother of Ethan, age 7
Northport, New York

Thank you and your friends for a wonderful concert experience for my son Jason. He was very happy and inspired. Jason enjoyed interacting with the musician. He made an instrument by placing rice in a container and drummed on a lot of sound makers, after he returned from the concert.

As the mother of a child with disability, I truly appreciate the insight, determination, compassion and vision you have to enrich the lives of children with disabilities. I wish that more people could understand the sensory challenge autistic children may face, appreciate their efforts to fit into our world and kindly provide gentler environment for them as Music for Autism does.

Please accept our sincere appreciation for you, your organization and all the volunteers. Thank you.

Winnie Li, mother of Jason, age 9
Chappaqua, New York

Thank you so much for your lovely event today. The room was filled with a tremendous amount of warmth and love. Jake had a good time, especially with the musical instruments. Please let us know when your next concert is so we can come again.

Jen Brown, mother of Jake, age 5
New York, New York

Thank you very much for a special music experience for Danny! We were delighted to be a part of your first concert in NYC. My husband and I were very impressed with the concert. We can certainly appreciate the time, expertise and dedication that went into this program. All the adults and children seemed very happy to engage in this musical adventure and you could feel the joy in the room! Everyone was involved in their own way! It was an amazing experience for us. The people running it were so welcoming and we immediately felt comfortable… Both musicians were talented and kind to the individuals with autism. It is hard to find places that welcome children with disabilities and we felt lucky to participate in an appropriate and respectful activity such as yours. There is such a need for these type of programs. I do hope you continue this important work!

Susan Hershman, mother of Danny, age 15
New York, New York

This is the first time I can say we felt truly welcome at a musical concert or anywhere for that matter! Not once did I have to explain my son's behavior… How relaxing! Can't wait for the next one!

Sharon Rozansky, mother of Matthew, age 9
New York, New York

Ben absolutely adores the entire concert experience. His expression is pure joy, singing makes his language more fluid, and the he can carry a tune to boot! Coming into the city from Westchester for these concerts makes the experience twice as special. This amazing music performed in such a friendly format is a gift to our beautiful kids…we are very grateful for all that you do.

Deb Fischer, mother of Ben, age 8
Pleasantville, New York

Teachers' Comments:

It was so good to be there to see our students offered a performance of such high quality. It's what they deserve – only the best – and I wish they always had it as they did today. …students dancing in their seats, smiling, nodding, rocking, caught up in the rhythm and the spirit. I never imagined that such a large and diverse group would be so quiet, but they were enchanted. I'm already looking forward to next year and any other concerts you may be doing before then. Thank you for offering us all such a privilege.

Richard Brooks,
Advanced Practitioner of the Autism Service,
Chinnor Special Education Units, Oxfordshire