The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. We envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

17 March 2021

Autism Family Book Bundles

The Autism Society Philippines is celebrating World Book Day on 23 April 2021, with the collections each family member can enjoy. The following bundles are available on the ASP AutisMALL on Shopee: https://shopee.ph/autismphils, with proceeds from sales going to the support of ASP programs for persons on the autism spectrum and the families who are from them.

Collection #1 : A + B + E. Price: P600-
Collection #2 : A + C + E. Price: P600-
Collection #3 : A + D + E. Price: P600-

Details on the bundled books follow:

(A) Books: "Gail and Pablo" by Robyn Rodriguez. The set comes with "When My Friend Wins", When My Friend Cries" and "When My Friend Smiles". The books usher opportunities for parents to sit with their children of all abilities to build character, develop empathy, and value kindness for others who may be different. The author is a speech-language pathologist from UP Manila, who is passionate about teaching children, discipleship, and advocating for intentional parent-child interaction.
The image shows yellow book cover at the left, light blue in the middle and violet in the right side with the children's designs.
Books: Gail and Pablo by Robyn Rodriguez When My Friend Wins, When My Friend Cries and When My Friend Smiles

The image shows two Music Therapy books. The background shows color green, yellow green, dark green, blue, a little violet and red with a song paper with a title "O Divine Mercy".
(B) Book: "What Music Therapy Did to George" by Celeste S. Sanchez of Divine Mercy Mobile Center. This book is about the author's experiences with persons with disabilities and senior citizens who have found the healing and restorative powers of self-expression through music.

(C) Book: "Vincent" by Ms Sarah S. Cuento. This self-published book centers on the author's family journey with her son on the autism spectrum Reyn Vincent.

The image shows two books of Our Andrei. The front cover shows andrei when he was a child and an adult wearing his blue checkered polo, brown pants and black belt standing in front of paintings. The back cover shows his mom kissing him above the book cover and family photo below.
(D) Book: "Our Andrei: Living with Autism" by Ma. Therese Jalandoni-Macapagal, as told to Reynaldo G. Alejandro and Vicente Roman S. Santos. This book is a poignant story of one of the country's most prominent families -- the Macapagal's -- at a time when little was known about autism in the country. Andrei Macapagal is one of the earliest known cases of autism in the Philippines.

The image shows two CD cases. The CD placed aboved is open and the disc is shown placed in its case while the bottom is closed. The background has a rainbow, musical instruments, waves, grass and two boy on the spectrum wearing yellow shirt and blue pants.
(E) Music: "Mga Awiting Alay sa Autismo” by Ms Gina Luna Bermudo. "This CD is just inspiration and the urge to share my experiences. Dedicated to special children whose challenges leave me in awe; also to parents, families, therapists, doctors and all members of the therapy team who serve as pillars of the entire program for our children with autism,” says Gina Bermudo, mom to Niko and Xandi, both with autism.

18 December 2015

ASP Diliman brings "au-some" Christmas cheer

ASP Diliman, for the 3rd year now, held caroling activitis in Christmas 2015. The teens and parents braved the holiday traffic of Metro Manila to give yuletide cheers to their co-parents, government workers, university students and golfers.

ASP Diliman PWAs singing with piano music

The ASP Diliman carollers were Vincent Benoza, Andrei Gaban, Ishihara Mojica, Marcus Palomares, Ruel Pascual, Thannielle Tan and Rupert Valera. They started practicing early November to fine-tune their repertoire of Christmas songs that included: O Come all ye Faithful, Hark the Herald, The First Noel, Christmas in our Hearts. Vincent had a solo rendition of “What a Wonderful World” with the parents of the carolers; while Marcus was the pianist. The Dilliman caroling group sang to the homes of their co-parents and relatives, to the President and employees of National Power Corp and to the Education college students of UP-Diliman.

The Diliman teens look forward to caroling every Christmas time. These teens are always eager to come to week-end practices as it means seeing their friends and bonding with their Moms and their friends’ moms. They were not at all intimidated with the wide variety of audience they had to face; instead they all feel proud and confident every after performance. Although they do not care much on the money they received, they all look forward to the yummy meals that were served every time they finished their singing. For the parents, there is no greater feeling than to give this experience to their kids with autism... for after all they may be different but not less.

About the author: Josephine Palomares has long been the face of autism advocacy for ASP Diliman chapter. After serving as the President of the chapter for multiple terms, she continues to serve the disability community as she leads the Kaakibat ng ASP Quezon City Credit Cooperative; and contributes as an active member of the Association for Adults with Autism. She owns and personally manages a thriving model airplane export business in Bulacan. Her son Macky is on the spectrum.

23 April 2015

Jamming with Noel Cabangon

Family, friends and fellow advocates gathered for a benefit concert, presented by ASP-Diliman and Kaakibat ng ASP-QC Credit Cooperative last 20 March 2015 at Conspiracy Bar, Quezon City with Noel Cabangon as the lead performer and the teens of ASP Diliman doing the front act. The musical numbers showcased the versatile talents of teens with autism (TWA), in singing, and the use of instruments.

The night of music started at 7 p.m. and ended past midnight. The boys’ talents shone brightly, and their disabilities were hardly discernible. Songs were sang beautifully, and instruments were expertly played. Marcus “Macky” Palomares played like a professional pianist, entertaining the audience with his piano pieces. The Front Act numbers was started by a piano piece “Arabian Dance” performed by Andrei Gaban.

ASP Diliman and our adult with autism with Noel Cabangon

Then Vincent Benoza and Joshua Cana rendered a very inspirational performance as they sang “You Raised Me Up” to the accompaniment of Macky on the piano. A father and son Jun and Vico Cham as they sang “Can’t help Falling in Love.” Joseph, played the song “Canon” on flute with Macky on the piano. The Segui Family (mom Dra. Marie and Frederick, with Paula on the guitar and Gabby on the piano) performed the song “Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko.”

During the main act, the guest star, Noel Cabangon sang many different songs that everyone enjoyed, such as “Ako ay Mabuting Pilipino.” For that night, he specially sang “I Want to Live” by John Denver. He also shared a musical number with the ASP Diliman teens and parents with the song “Kanlungan.” One special teen Buddy Castro, had duet songs with his idol, Mr. Cabangon. A budding musician, Bolo Pascual shared his original song composition and entertained everyone as he sang and played the guitar. Bolo also shared that his special brother is now learning how to play the piano.

It was a special night of music. It was made extra special with the presence of family members and friends, who boosted the morale of the special teens. The Board of Trustees of ASP also graced the occasion -- Dang Koe, Peng Koe, Evelyn Go and Grace Adviento. President Mona Veluz. Ms. Veluz also officiated the Oath Taking of ASP Diliman officers.

That night was another success for ASP Diliman. It highlighted the musical talents of ASP Diliman teens. Despite the challenges imposed by autism, these special teens are evolving as good musicians. That night also successfully raised seed funds for the Autism Center of Kaakibat ng ASP Cooperative.

About the contributor: Vania is 10 yrs old, Grade 4 in St Mary's College, Quezon City. She is a proud sibling to her Kuya Vincent who is on the spectrum.

29 January 2015

The making of an autism-inclusive Lupang Hinirang

For the 2015 Angels Walk for Autism, the trustees and volunteers took on the challenge of innovating on an event "standard.” ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe directed the green-screen filming and the post-prod. The parents and the individuals with autism who shared their Sunday morning were a big part of our success -- thank you to Mikhail Dangcal, Chasina Dangcal, Gio Danniel Koe, Sean Espinili, Kenrick Albert Cheng, Michael Almendrala, Nicholas Bermundo, Adrian Carlo Adviento, Andrea Alviso, Jose Rey Angelo So, Christian Taclendu, Patrick Louie So, Rodrigo Luis Recto, Neil Iversen Pajaron, Ezra Buzcano, Victor Michael Ramos, Vell Baria, Franco Cagayat and Thara Marie Santiago and Vell Baria.

And what do you get when you mix a room full of kids with autism and a production team keen on making a brave new rendition of "Lupang Hinirang?” Something EPIC.

18 August 2014

August 30 Saturday Back to Back Seminars

Emergency Skills For Families of PWAs
9:30am – 12:00pm

Does the threat of flood, earthquake and other natural disasters have you worried about your child with autism? The seminar will dive into the basics of what a family who lived with autism should do before, during and after emergency situations. Learn potentially life-saving techniques and skills; and create a plan that will keep your family safe.

Mark Anthony T. Padil is a graduate of BS Physical Therapy from Our Lady of Fatima University in 2002. He has worked as a Behavior Therapist ABA / VB - Shadow Teacher with individuals with autism in school, center and home-based environments. Teacher Mark assists in emergency and disaster alleviation efforts and in the promotion of public safety, disaster-preparedness and community service with the Regional Emergency Assistance Communications Team and with the CRS-AFP Civil Relations Service. He is founder of the eMergency Autism Response sKills (eMark) Services.

Our speaker, Mr. Mark Anthony Padil and Ms. Solinda Bautista

Music Therapy For Individuals With Autism
1:30 – 3:30pm

Studies reveal that most children, teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder respond positively to music -- making music a potentially powerful therapeutic tool. Music interventions used within a therapeutic relationship for individuals with ASD have encouraged social interactions, increased attention and communication attempts, reduced anxiety, and improved body coordination. Though well-established as an allied health profession in other countries, music therapy has yet to be better known in the Philippines as a therapeutic option, and thus our session speaker will enlighten us on what it is, why and how it works, why it is an art and science at the same time, how it is carried out and how it benefits individuals with special needs.

Ma. Solinda Garcia-Bautista is amongst the first batch of graduate students learning Music Therapy at the St. Paul University Manila College of Music and the Performing Arts, a Center of Excellence for Music pioneering Music Therapy programs in the Philippines starting 2013. Sol concurrently gave chase to Business Administration and Accountancy at the University of the Philippines and Music at Sta. Isabel College. After delivering her piano graduation recital and garnering eighth place in the CPA boards, she plunged into an intense 28-year corporate career in Information Technology with top global firms. She helped transform businesses through technology as a consultant working locally and abroad, including mission-critical engagements in New York, Chicago, Tokyo and Hong Kong, and as a senior executive for a large global financial firm. Sol concertizes whenever time permits.

Single SeminarDouble Seminar
Pre-reg. *until Aug 27
ASP Member - P500.00
Non-Member - P600.00
Pre-reg. *untilAug 27
ASP Member - P 800.00
Non-Member - P1,000.00
On-Site Registration
ASP Member - P600.00
Non-Member - P700.00
On-Site Registration
ASP Member - P1,000.00
Non-Member - P1,200.00

Venue: Auditorium, 4th Floor Philippine Information Agency, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
Map: http://bit.ly/1o9dJ4F
Seminar Fee is inclusive of certificate, handouts and snacks.

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank, Kamias Branch Account Number 047-3-04751874-2. Please fax the deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s to ASP office and bring it on the day of the seminar. On-site registrants will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 70 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who do not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP at 7-903-5496.

The ASP Education and Empowerment Program serves as a platform to educate Filipino parents and professionals on the various interventions, modalities and theories surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their application and implementation are left at your discretion. The views and personal experiences of the speakers are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of the organization.

12 July 2014

HeART BEATS 2 Concert

The Health for Autism Research and Training Center (HeART Center) held its second fundraising concert on 14 June 2014 entitled “Heart Beats 2” at Palmeras Garden Restaurant in San Pablo City, Laguna. It featured the musical talents of RV Mendiola, Emman Zamora, Thara Santiago, Franco Cagayat, and Rance Paul Yap, persons with autism (PWAs) whose families ardently support the center’s cause. The performers dazzled the audience not only with their vocal ability and nimble fingers but also with their courage and focus onstage.

The Amazing Duet, Thara & Franco

The performances would not have been successful had it not been for the unconditional love and support from the PWAs’ families who had all but joined their children or siblings in song or on the piano. This is but a glimpse of the kind of treatment of PWAs the center’s founders wish to involve people in, especially those closest to PWAs.

The center’s approach focuses on dietary intervention, aquatic programs and research. PWAs are very likely to be victims of metabolic disorders. Aisa Mendiola told the event’s attendees that even fruits and vegetables considered at worst benign by everyone may bring harm to PWAs. Aquatic programs aid in the management of behaviors and training of PWAs.

These programs were inspired by the experiences of the center’s founder, Aisa Mendiola, with her son, RV, and her student, Rance Paul. Their unparalleled attraction to water was central to the establishment of an incentive scheme that has greatly facilitated their development.

The event’s organizers were overjoyed with the turnout of donors and other supporters who went home with more than what they had given.

HeART BEATS 2 was a proclamation that the center is filled to the brim with promise. The road to what the founders wish to achieve will be bumpy at best, but with the perseverance and unflagging spirit of those already involved and the growing support of multiple communities, these goals are far from impossible.

About the Author: Juan Carlo F. Mallari is a mathematics instructor at Ateneo de Manila University. He acquired his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Applied Mathematics, Major in Mathematical Finance from the same university in 2013 and 2014, respectively. He had two short stories selected for publications by Ateneo student organizations during his years as an undergraduate and was an English fiction fellow for the 12th Ateneo National Writers’ Workshop in May 2014. He likes to think he loves numbers and words equally and dreams of one day teaching an elective merging mathematics and creative writing. Above all, Carlo is a supremely annoying and infinitely grateful uncle, brother, and son to the four dearest people in his life who happen to carry “Mallari” in their names as well.

08 June 2013

June 29 Saturday Back to Back Seminars

Vision Therapy
29 June 2013, Saturday, 9:00 am - 12:00 nn
Bridges Foundation, Inc. #22 Scout Limbaga Street, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City

Vision is a learned and developed skill that requires patterned stimulation to the visual cortex. Nobel Prize winning scientists Hubel and Weisel discovered that patterned stimulation is necessary for the development of vision. In the early years, vision stimulation is used to encourage children to pay attention to visual details such as light sources, colors, shapes and sizes. If the child responds to visual stimuli, other activities may be used to teach him how to make sense of the things he is seeing and how to use his vision within the context of daily activities. Vision Therapy utilizing light stimulation enhances the function of the receptors cells of the retina forcing the fovea centralis area to focus on the light stimulus resulting to initiating an eye contact the fastest way among children with autism and other disabilities. The seminar will provide parents, special education teachers and other service providers’ strategies for children with autism to have monocular visual focus that will later initiate alignment of the visual axes of the two (2) eyes until eye contact is attained. They will learn simple visual perceptual skills and visual information processing techniques for children with autism to be more attentive in order to develop the essential cognitive skills that play a very important role in the learning process.

Dr. Teresita Yambot
Dr. Teresita R. Yambot, OD, MAED, MSO, FPAO is an educator, an optometrist in vision development and a civic leader. She was an outstanding student and graduated magna cum laude from Manila Central University. Dr. Yambot served her alma mater as a professor from 1976-2000 and dean of the College of Optometry from 1990-1994. She was a recipient of various scholarships, researches and professional awards. To top it all, Dr. Yambot was awarded one of the Ten Outstanding Professionals in 2007 awarded by the Federation of Philippine Professional Associations of the Professional Regulation Commission and “Ulirang Ina” by the Quezon City government in 2009. She has occupied numerous positions in the academe and in socio-civic organizations. Dr. Yambot has conducted countless researches in her field of expertise and has presented her works in national and international conferences.

Music Therapy
29 June 2013, Saturday, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Bridges Foundation, Inc. #22 Scout Limbaga Street, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City

The seminar will tackle about the fundamentals of music therapy and the benefits of music intervention for children with special needs. It is not what children can do but what music can do for these children.

Agustin Estrella
Dr. Estrella R. Agustin, Ph.D., MFLCD, BM is an educator, a musician, a clinician and a civic leader. She obtained her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and MA in Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She has an intensive 2 years training in Liturgy and music from St. Andrews Seminary. She served as Chairperson of Department of Family Life and Child Development of the UP Diliman. She is currently teaching at UP Diliman and serves as Chairperson of the College of Home Economics at the said university. She is also a Music Intervention Specialist and Music Therapy Section Head at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Dr. Agustin contributes numerous researches and creative writings in her field of expertise.

Seminar Fees

Pre-registration *until June 26
Single Seminar ASP Member - P 500.00
Single Seminar Non-Member - P 600.00
Double Seminar ASP Member - P800.00
Double Seminar Non-Member - P1,000.00

On-Site Registration
Single Seminar ASP Member - P600.00
Single Seminar Non - Member - P700.00
Double Seminar ASP Member - P1,000.00
Double Seminar Non-Member - P1,200.00

The seminar fee is inclusive of certificate, handouts and snacks. Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank, Kamias Branch Account # 047-3-04751874-2. Please fax the deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s to ASP office and bring it on the day of the seminar. On-site registrants will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 70 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who did not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP at 7-903-5496.

The ASP Seminar Series serves as a platform to educate Filipino parents and professionals on the various interventions, modalities and theories surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their application and implementation are left at your discretion. The views and personal experiences of the speakers are of their own and don’t necessarily reflect that of the views of the organization.

07 April 2011

AutisMusical 2011

By Abegail Mendoza, ASP Program Assistant

Now on its fourth year, ASP spearheads the AutisMusical, a concert celebrating the unique talents and skills of Filipinos with autism in singing and playing various musical instruments. The event is the highlight of the 4th World Autism Awareness Day, in cooperation with SM Program on Disability Affairs and Sky Dome, SM City North EDSA Quezon City, Philippines.
Mother and son team Aimee and Dave Ponce from ASP Diliman Chapter

To celebrate their chapter induction, PWA John Alfred Aguilar of ASP Valenzuela Chapter amazed the audience with his keyboard pieces. One of the songs he played is the “Cool Summer Nights,” as his tribute to the late Master Rapper Francis Magalona. CWA Natalie Claire Mariquit also from ASP Valenzuela Chapter, also heat up the stage with her “Fireworks” dance routine.
PWA John Alfred Aguilar of ASP Valenzuela Chapter

Original Pilipino Music (OPM) flowed throughout the event. Mother and son team Aimee and Dave Ponce from ASP Diliman Chapter, rendered the heartwarming “Sana”. The two first performed during the ASP Family Day last January. Song and dance numbers from John Paul Lumba of ASP Lagro Chapter paid tribute to Mon del Rosario’s “Sinong Baliw” and Freddie Aguilar’s “Bulag, Pipi at Bingi” and lastly, Gabriel Nazareth of GS Option House, with his three companions sang and danced “Tagumpay”.
John Paul Lumba of ASP Lagro Chapter

Special guests Ms. Myra Tuazon from the House of Representatives sang “My Redeemer Lives” and The Dancing Angels composed of four girls with Downs Syndrome from San Antonio Elementary School, danced to hit song “Fire” from the all-girl group, Twenty One.

CWA Mhar Jason Palmeda sang the Emmy Award Winning song “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston and CWA Benjo Herrera sang the “Journey” from Miss Saigon, popularized by Lea Salonga.

Another rising star, PWA Luke Espiritu, member from The Church of the First Born at Marikina City, was joined by teen band mates Jerico Job Bañaga, Kris Lenard Fajardo and Wilon Seth. Luke later gave a short solo act on his base guitar after the band rendered “Tell the World,” a gospel song popularized by Hillsong United. The band also played “Iris” and “Princesa”.
PWA Luke Espiritu, member from The Church of the First Born at Marikina City

Click here to read more on the event.

Acknowledgements: Emcee: Ms. Kismette Cepe, Mommy Lileth Laviña and Yanna Aragon. ASP Chapters: Mandaluyong Chapter, Commonwealth Chapter, UP-Camp, Manila Chapter, Diliman Chapter, Marikina Chapter, Muñoz Quezon City Chapter, Proj. 4, Cubao Quezon City Chapter, Valenzuela Chapter and City of San Fernando Chapter.

ASP believes that with a barrier-free and inclusive environment, children with autism are empowered. We Share our Hopes with you. It’s time to help Build Dreams for Autism. Donate generously to ASP Programs and Services. Deposit to Autism Society Philippines Metrobank, Kamias Branch 047-3-04751874-2. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496.

06 August 2010

Tum-Tum Mendoza’s 2nd Recital

By: Cristine Republica

Tum Tum as he confidently made a stimulating sound on his drum

Filipino child prodigy marimbist, Tristan “TUM TUM” Mendoza, proudly with autism, gave his second recital at Abelardo Hall, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City, last August 06, 2010.

The red curtain opened at exactly 7:30pm with a classical piece on the marimba. Our ears were treated to this first solo number, which flowed effortlessly, as if to serenade his audience.

Among the special guests and supporters of Tum-Tum, music connoisseurs Dang Koe (ASP Chair Emeritus), Evelyn Go (Treasurer), Ranil Sorongon (Executive Director), Aileen Valera (Treasurer, ASP Diliman Chapter), his college professors and friends.

Inquisitive about the origin of his name, “TUM TUM,” I made a little research. Interestingly, Tum-Tum sounds so much like tom-tom, which comes from the British term for a child's toy drum. Tom-tom comes from Native American or Asian cultures and is used as a traditional means of communication. The tom-tom drum was added to the drum kit in the early part of the 20th century.

Tum-Tum’s music poured out with power and emotion, as he played solo the Timpani, which produced an obvious fundamental pitch that harmonized with other music. In between ensemble, Tum-Tum’s family also offered a sumptuous thanksgiving merienda to the participants. Finally, in the last two numbers, Tum-Tum jammed with his friends from the College of Music, on the conga, cymbals, bongos and drums. We swayed and grooved to the upbeat and lively music.

Tum-Tum (right) jamming on stage with friends form UP College of Music

At the end of the concert, Tum-Tum acknowledged his creator for the gift of music and for his loving family for believing and supporting him in this endeavor. Tum-Tum will be graduating soon from the UP College of Music. He majors in percussion.

Acknowledgments: Regalado Family and UP College of Music

ASP continues to believe that persons with autism can be trained and excel in their talents -with perseverance, patience, faith, unconditional love and the support of family and friends. Be an Angel for autism. Donate to ASP program and services. Visit our community site, e-mail us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496

02 July 2010

ASP Cebu Chapter Dinner Concert

By: Socorro Deligero ASP Cebu Chapter, Secretary

ASP Cebu Chapter celebrated Independence Day last June 12 with a Dinner Concert for A Cause. It was a relaxing night for loving people, who came in support for the chapter. To be celebrating with special children in the same event is a dream-come-true for the parents and therapists alike.

Families and friends of CWAs

Guests were unmindful of the hand-flapping and other odd behaviors of these children; since people around them are aware and understood their condition. It was not only a worry free night, but a night full of merry making and surprises.

On the Cover Band

ASP Cebu Chapter Officers (l-r) Miriam Uy (Treasurer), Cyril Borja (Auditor),
Babylin Roa (PRO),Sandra Espina (President) ,Socorro Deligero (Secretary)

Children from REACH Center, Responsive Education for Autistic Children, awed the public with their exceptional talents on stage. They rendered classical songs chosen by their therapists.

Miguel Gabriel Luna, mesmerized us with his version of “The Celts” and “I Have a Dream,” popularized by ABBA, through is flute recorder. Miguel was diagnosed with autism a few years back, and is now into mainstreaming.

CWA Miguel Gabriel Luna, playing his flute

ASP Cebu Chapter would like to thank the officers and supporters who helped raised funds for the chapter and ASP Cebu Chapter President, Ms. Sandra Espina, for conceptualizing the event.

ASP Chapters continue to work hard to raise funds for projects and activities. Be an Angel for Autism. Donate to ASP Chapters. The time is now. Log on to ASP Community Website or email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496.

03 March 2010

Autistic Singer Wants to be Heard

By: Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary

“Music is my life. Autism is part of it,” Twitted Kyle Cousins, singer-songwriter with autism. Now 19, Kyle was diagnosed with autism in his toddler years. During his school age years, he encountered painful memories of rejection and ridicule as evidenced in his song “Moons Lamp Post.”

“It’s like a subway going in and out of my mind. Something’s going in, but it’s hard to get out. I’m trapped in this world of confusion and darkness. Will anyone try to save me?....You’ll be lost in the maze trying to find the answer….” Click here to watch video (In the video you can see the camera panning back and forth from his childhood, to where he is now.)

Another song, “Loving Myself,” talks about his journey with autism. “Sometimes I feel like I’m battled and bruised…my journey feels so tainted…I’ve struggling for years…… Click here to watch clip.

At the end of the song he declares “….finally I made it…” ends with this hypothesis and declares, “I love who I am…”

Autism Speaks has adopted, "Everybody Wants to Be Heard," to be the theme song for their annual autism walk. The song is lifted from his first album, Spectrum. Click here to watch his live performance.

“My wish for 2010 is that people will understand that AUTISM is not a disease; people with AUTISM are not looking for a cure but for ACCEPTANCE.”– Kyle Cousins.

Autism. See the potential. Take giant leaps and go beyond borders. Send us your stories. Email us autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496. It’s your turn to inspire others.

(Sources: YouTube and MySpace)

 
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