Finding Music in Autism

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I've found that theater is perfect for my 9 year old autistic son. He's busting to converse but can't seem to negotiate his way through a conversation. The structure of a play, where he is told where to stand, what to say, and his cues are pre-identified, scripts all those aspects of conversation the give him crippling anxiety when left up to him. It'd be perfect except his favorite number is "I Feel Pretty" from West Side Story. He just not the same kind of "Maria" as Natalie Wood. Oh well...he makes a great Pippin!!!

David of FL 2:41AM April 06, 2009

I have a very special little girl in my life. She is 12 and she is the daughter of my ex boyfriend. I call her " MY SPECIAL LITTLE ANGEL ". She has Autism and I have learned so much from her in the past 10 months. Watching your program has made me understand more about her behavior and the challenges she faces on a daily basis. She knows who I am and she has even told me " Love You '. It bought tears to my heart. I thank God for people like you who share your experiences with other people facing the same things. I am so greatful that Sam has bought this little girl into my life. I don't see her as much as I would like to but when I do we have so much fun together. Thank You Elaine for being an angel to so many.
Do you have a California based program?

Brenda Marie of CA 9:32PM April 06, 2008

I am a mother to a 6 year old with autism. To see other children like him on the HBO last night i am still filling emotions and for ever will. this gives me hope and a since of comfort for so many reasons. PLEASE MAKE C.D'S OF THE SONGS USED IN THE PLAYS, I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE SHOW OVER AND OVER JUST TO LISTEN TO THE SONGS.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE SONGS SAY YOU PEOPLE KNOW JUST HOW THE PARENTS FILL AND THE CHILDREN FILL . I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ALL THE WORDS TO THE SONGS SO I CAN SING THEM AND TEACH THEM TO MY CHILDREN. PLEASE , PLEASE . PLEASE. SEND THEM TO ME IN E-MAIL.
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOU DO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AMY NELL of TX 3:54AM April 02, 2008

Hi, I am the mother of a 26 year old autistic person ( a son ). I am so happy and grateful that more and more are being said about autism today, and that more and more autistic children are being helped today on time. When my son was growing up, not much was known. However, for the grace of God, the help and support of his Dad, sisters and some great people, I did find some help for my son. He is an awesome young man now, that inspite of his autism, anxiety and everything else that comes along with autism, he is an intelligent, caring, loving and could very well express his needs kind of guy. I am very proud of him, and love him forever, and he knows that. I am also so happy for the younger autistic people, small or big today, that are able to get all the help that they need to live a fullfill life to the best of their abilities. Of course with Mothers or Fathers like us, to love and protect them. Thank you so much for what you are doing. God is really answering my prayers. I prayed that some day He will send angels to help or make an easier way for all autistic children, and what help my son didn't get, because of ignorance or non availability, that others will get. Again thanks for making our autistic children " the star of the movie ". God bless.

Zoraya of NY 4:41PM March 27, 2008

Mrs. Hall, both you and your son Neal are to be commended with your effort with autism.Some concerns I have are as follows. It is general knowledge that we have more autism now than ever before. what the medical community does not know is: Is it because we have more cases, or do we have a better technique to diagnose autism?
As with Multiple sceleroses (MS) which my daughter has, I am recommending to the medical community that with each patient we perform a CBC (complete Blood Check) from Aluminum to Zinc to determine if there is a correlation that is unique to autism.
Then at the end of life with prior concurrence of the patient, parents, guardians, legal, and the medical community, perform a post mortem and evaluate the brain to determine if there is acorrelation.

John W. Epperson of CO 10:31PM March 25, 2008

As the younger sister of an autistic brother, I am so happy to see that more and more is being televised about autism. Before it was seen as a 'retardation', something that had no cure; but now, with the help of movies such as this one, it is seen as a disability that, with the help of loving and persistent family, can be worked with. Having movies like this in the media also contributes to people's awareness that yes, even though autistic people (and others with other mental disabilities) have a mental disability, it does not define who they truly are - they are functioning individuals that have needs and feelings too!

Jetty of NY 4:55PM March 25, 2008