Apr 27, 2012
Autistic 6-year-old plays and sings Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”
The whole thing is great, but if you want the short version, start at 3:15.
(via Voices)
* * * * *
© 2013 Abuyo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Apr 27, 2012
The whole thing is great, but if you want the short version, start at 3:15.
(via Voices)
* * * * *
Aw man, it cut off at my favorite part of the song! What an awesome kid. I wish I knew him. :)
Amazing little guy!
I wonder when we’ll discontinue considering autism a disability. Who cares if an individual can interact socially according to “standards”? When you’ve got this kind of savantism, what else do you need? Cracks me up that he’s singing and turning to his accompanist but his ol’ hands just keep right on hitting the keys. He could probably eat soup and continue playing, lol.
Because Autism is a spectrum and not everyone with the disease is fortunate enough to be able to as capable as this young man. It has nothing to do with “standards” it has to do with being able to function on your own.
Thanks, Marci, I understand. It isn’t *just* social skills but that was the first thing that came to mind. It’s just that so often we see individuals labeled as disabled when in fact they are far and away more advanced than “normal” people. People with Down’s syndrome seem to have cornered the market on loving-and-caring, for instance. But I understand why having the capability to fend for oneself is critical to perpetuation of the species and all that.
I’m not sure if it’s really a factor of everyone with this (very wide based) disorder being as capable as this young man, it’s just us progressing enough as humans to focus more on what these children with this disorder ARE capable of. Every one that I’ve known personally had parents that would admit to them having that “one thing” that they exceed all parameters with. It’s our job to find the “piano man” for each and every one of these children.
I agree, my point was just that it’s too naive to want to want to stop calling something that interferes with daily functioning a disorder. The word itself means disfunction and unfortunately a lot of the children and adults with autism lack functionality in their day to day life. I agree that we need to focus on what they can do and encourage them to let that talent grow but at the same time it’s not going to stop being a disorder until we can help them learn to be independent in their day to day life, as well.
People who need to label someone as disabled, are disabled themselves. Jen,I totally agree with you. I love your way of thinking. You are making a mark in this world for the positive, just as this boy is!
I am married, have two kids, a college degree, and am getting a second BS in premed neuroscience from one of the top science schools in Texas. I pay my mortgage, have a few friends I like to hang out with, and overall function like a completely normal and productive member of society. Most friends would describe me as highly intelligent, witty, and fun to be around. What I CAN’T do is recognize facial expressions and body language. What I CAN’T do is understand why *insert situation here* would make anyone feel *insert feeling here* unless I have personally experienced that exact situation and feeling. What I CAN’T do is innately understand social protocol. Yes, as a child I would hand flap when things got too loud or watch a toy roll back and forth in its prescribed pattern for hours on end, but those behaviors are under control with therapy. However, I will – and ALWAYS will – identify as having Asperger’s. It helps me make sense of the world. Is it a disorder? Yes. I can’t do things that most people do innately, things that are necessary for human interaction and ultimately survival. Would I change things? Probably not. I wouldn’t be surprised if my high aptitude in math and science – things I enjoy immensely – is at least somewhat related to the overcrowding of neurons in my brain that the modern world has decided to call “the autism spectrum.”
It’s not offensive, and it’s not necessary to stop diagnosing people just because they aren’t “severe.” Without a diagnosis, I was lost. Desperate. Sad. Scared that something was seriously wrong with me, that maybe I was a sociopath. As a child I was afraid any day they were going to come and lock me up because of how horrible I was – because I would say things that would hurt people’s feelings, for instance, completely and utterly confused as to what I had done. A diagnosis changed all that. It said, here. Here is what’s wrong, and here’s how we fix it. A diagnosis ALLOWED me to be a functioning member of society. Without the “asperger’s” label, I would probably still be afraid, lonely, and scared all the time.
All that to say – it’s very thoughtful of someone to think of “not putting children in boxes,” etc, but it’s really not of much benefit. The box is helpful. It helps you make sense of the world, and your place in it. It helps you have an excuse when you really genuinely need someone to explain something to you, and not talk to you like you’re an idiot who doesn’t understand the basics of humanity everyone else seems to take for granted.
So yes, I’m sure this kid is autistic, and yes, I’m sure the diagnosis (and subsequent therapy) has probably helped him reach the level of achievement he currently has, and will continue to do so. Without the diagnosis, he might simply think himself stupid and unreachable. With it, he has the promise and hope of an independent life.
Thank yo fou sharing your personal experience…I found your words more than interesting and insightful, but fascinating.
He hit a few wrong notes in his enthusiasm, but seems to have an EXCELLENT grasp of the song. I could never have played it this well at 6. Plus it’s super cute when he sings and shouts “SING IT TOGETHER!”
My daughter has autism and cannot speak, nor play music. Watching your son brought tears to my eyes. His love for that moment is impeccable. God does wondrous things for our children. I didn’t notice any messed up notes, or singing. Then again, why would I try to find them? This brought me happiness today, something I was needing. Look for the positive in everything and you will never notice “mistakes”. With children like him, there is NEVER a mistake made by them!
God does nothing for your children as there is no such thing or entity.
Great video but his mates chin strap is sloppy
Awesome dad!