Little Autistic Drummer Boy - the highlights

[SafetyEnterprisesLLC]

AWESOME!!!!

[monkeyman1282]

screw the one person who disliked this video..malikai use to go to my school. very talented boy!

[Deeona2boys]

Can't believe a autistic child would take to drums. Most the ones I know (I only know of 4 though) freak out over loud noise. Especially drums and symbols.

[KidCanza]

Get him a better kit

[miamirox99]

This was awesome to see. I have 4 year old twin girls and 1 has autism. They both enjoyed watching as well. I love to see these inspiring stories. Our kids are so incredible, everything they do is amazing so this must have made you guys estatic! Great Job Malikai!

[123j4ckdrummer123]

Why even this video

[jaydy11]

Rock on kid!! You're doing great. I'm Autistic too and I know what it's like I hope this made you feel on top of the world cause it sure made my day!

[MamaSue2u]

This is wonderful! So many kids with ASD want to bang on things.... it's only logical to give those kids drums. Malikai is doing beautifully! I loved watching and listening. BTW I'm a mom of two adult sons with Autism. I wish I'd been able to give them this experience. You rock!

[hiscereza1988]

This made me cry, then smile. And even laugh. My four year old son is autistic, he has a love of music. This is soo inspirational!!! Thank you for sharing your gifted angel with the world.

Great job to coach and dad!!!

[LukeNukem182]

Hes gonna be sooo good! Ive grown up with an autistic kid through school for over a decade and watch him drum his face off with his pencils on his desk and what not. 3 cheers for high dopamine levels!

[mygenericusernamenow]

Keep him on the drums! One day he'll be pro!

[hippymom]

Simply stated, this brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing, amazing child. Good work, dad & friend, and Malakai... keep rockin!

Hope to see more, soon!

[kaztrekie]

great to see him enjoying his drums so much you must be so proud of him. my son who also has autism is getting his drum kit next week for his birthday it seems to be something they enjoy :).

[nightfly10]

Im blown away, wow, its interesting to see that Malikai doesn't appear to be looking at the drums while hitting them.

Its cool to see how he just goes right ahead and does a little more without being shown.

[Killenmachine05]

give him a few years and that kids gonna be a shredder

[GreenGirl444]

he is soooooooooooooooo adorable nd amazing!!!!

[brizobryan]

Wow amazing. My 3 year old cousin is autistic and he drums on anything from his chest to the dining table. He really is talented.

[kalikama]

Wow--and such nice eye contact with Dad! He gets such joy from it all! Good work Dad and Coach!

[SessionsWithSpirit]

Very awesome to see this child letting his inner being shine forth. Obvious;u music is a great form of communication for him. Also, thanks for subscribing to my videos and I hope the information about austic children helped in some small way. :)

[amanda81374]

Thats wonderful! What a precious, talented angel you have. I have a 12 yr old with autism and hes an artist. These children are amazing and gifted. Watching this brought tears to my eyes because I could actually feel how proud you are of him, the same way I feel about my guy. Many blessings to you all! Way to go Malikai!!

[bragbox]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the part where he's drumming and starts singing _i did a good job - i did a good job - i did a good job - i did a good job - i did a good job - i did a good job... THAT ROCKED!!!

... has he trained on an Interactive Metronome??? I've seen amazing results w/ the ASD kids I've helped out.

[dragonflys1110]

So Amazing! Your little guy gives our children so much hope! Your a wonderful drummer! I have a 4 1/2 year old little boy, and he just loves music & the beat! I got him a little drum & seeing your little boy give me hope to try again with my son & see if he's ready to play! Again just speechless! So adorable!

[laurieharris1]

Hey buddy it looks like your making a lot of people happy when you play the drums.Keep going love Nanny and Poppa.

[Psmooth91]

this put such a smile on my face. =D God Bless you all!

[AlleycatJo]

OMG this is AMAZING.. Please share more!

[gizgad]

How awesome. He not only does a good job, but he seems so happy doing it. How exciting. Best of luck in the future to all of you.

[Inanna1960]

WOW! I am so grateful for you posting this...incredible! My fifteen year old son, Jason, was diagnosed with severe Autism at age two and has been such a gift to our family. His older sisters are all talented singers, my husband has played drums for over 30 years, I play bass and sing. Jason loves to sing and messes with the keyboard and drums...but hasn't yet taken an interest in being "taught." Someday maybe!

[MSbellabee]

That was wonderful. Thank you for sharing Malakai and his breakthrough with us! My oldest child is a drummer, and I can't wait for him to get home from church to watch this. Malakai, you did awesome little dude! Keep it up and just be you!!

[jsncool912]

WoW! This really made me smile. He is such a cute little boy! i wish my brother could do that! my autistic brother is 13 and he just watches tv and then draws what he sees! Your son is amazing!

[WSUNATE]

that is one proud daddy! I know exactly how you feel man! When our autistic kids do this stuff it's an outta this world high! no drug in the world could compare to the joy...

[melkorsbane]

This kid is exceptional! It kind of blows me away. I've been messing about on drums for a long time now and am nowhere close to being coordinated enough to pull off this stuff. Very awesome!

[Izzara1]

That was freaking AWESOME. He's very talented, and he sure loves his dad :) Right on guys.

I'm a mom of two autistic boys, 4 and 7. My youngest is showing a real affinity for music and loves to play the keyboard and drums. Once he calms down a little, I'm getting him into music lessons. I'm passing this one on for the benefit of other people I know - thanks for sharing!

[laurieharris1]

Kanner let us know where you are so we can be proud of you to.

Love Malikais Nanny.

[laurieharris1]

Hey Malikai you know that i am still watching you my little man.

I'm so proud of you show me more and more and more.

love nanny.

[itsmetink]

Way to go Malikai! Boy, you demonstrated so WELL that once something "clicks" ... it's all the way! My son is 11, Kanner's autism, and this happened for him with music too. Now, he makes his own videos from an assortment of clips pulled from tv, dvds, cds, etc.  A nice collage of sounds, visuals, repetitions, and other fun stims. An amazing medium .. music!

[arringt3415]

Loved your video! How exciting to witness that jump in performance. Your son appears to have found a vehicle to creatively express himself and establish a rhythm without stimming. Fantastic!

[laurieharris1]

My little man is awesome.

Love Nanny.

[laurieharris1]

rosechand ty for your response to my little man.

He is awesome and this is Ontario.

Actually it is Buds music in Peterboro Ontario who is teaching him.

If your little man is a drummer also get him in lesson.

Once again thankyou for viewing my grandson.

Nanny.

[khanincognito]

Wow your son is such a cutie. I found this video through yahoo group " Children with autism. My son is almost 5. we are touch by Autism too. Let the videos coming. your son is absolutely gifted.

[rosechand]

Wow!!!!! is all I have to say to this one. This little boy is loving the drums what pure pleasure... I have a son with Autism who loves the drums boy we are inspired with your success. Keep the video's coming I will watch for them..

I know his entire team and supporters are very proud. I wish we had these guys in Ontario. Thank you Thank you

[JoeJMacD]

Happy Anniversary Nanny and Poppa!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo­xoxo

[laurieharris1]

Thank you so much Joe miss you all...see you soon.

Love Nanny.

[laurieharris1]

Thanks to all in VA love to you all Paul and Laurie.

[laurieharris1]

I am so glad you all got this video isn't he ...Fantastic,,,thanks for responding.

Love to all Laurie and Paul.

[grannysarah]

Sharon just told me about the video. I am going to download it so everybody can see it.  He looks great. I know you are very proud of your little man. I know I am. This is your Aunt Sarah in Virginia

[momtojosh]

Your son is a cutie! What a smart little man. My son was just diagnosed and he is 2.5. I am amazed by his giftedness in music!

[laurieharris1]

Still watching you my little man.

Love Nanny @ Poppa.

[maryfletcherjones]

Your son is awesome :)

[msmysl1]

It is beautiful .... I am the mother of 6 year old of autistic boy, I read your article from POAC. Thanks.

[laurieharris1]

HEY jOE YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD WITH THAT ONE LOL YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY TIMES A DAY I WATCH MY GRANDSON.POPPA JUST LAUGHS AND WATCHES WITH ME .

WHEN HE'S HOME. BIG NANNY IS A CLOSET WATCHER TWO.

[JoeJMacD]

I've got a sneaking suspicion that Nanny loves her grandson, but I KNOW that he loves her...

Oh, and poppa to...heehee

[laurieharris1]

Hey Malikai...Uncle Gene thinks he's a comedian.lol.

Tell him to stick to his music,

Love Nanny.

[mandogene]

Hey Malikai:

It's Uncle Gene. When did you get to be such a great drummer?? I can't wait to jam with you Buddy. Say hi to mommy and daddy for me and keep practising so that you will be the best.....better than Ringo.....ask dad who that is.....no, you better ask nanny.....dads too young!!

Love ya, see you soon.

Uncle Gene

[laurieharris1]

Oh mr. Strummer you really make nanny smile. ty XOXO.

[JGymFish]

Way to go Malikai, I am so amazed!! Keep on rockin' can't wait to see it live some day!

-Jill

[laurieharris1]

Hi buddy just checking in again,

Uncle Glen is up here this weekend and is so proud of you that he had to show everyone at his work.

Love you more then chocolate pudding...your nanny.XOXO

[Shanise0]

That is just amazing. From a mom of an 11yr old autistic son, I thank you for sharing this. This gives me some ideas on how to reach my son more. Thank you

[laurieharris1]

Hi Malikai...it's nanny again love you so much and of course i love your sisters and mom and dad as well.

XOXO Nanny

[davearmie]

The shear joy on his face is priceless! Congratulations and continue to enjoy this moment!

[laurieharris1]

Love you Malikai...how is everyone else?

Love Nanny and Poppa

[EllieSJ]

Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!

[lukeschillpad]

Awesome Dude, you go to my school!!!

[1greatnan]

still watching you Malikai. I show everyone who comes to visit..Big Nanny

[laurieharris1]

Richard Paul and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts...you are so good to our little strummer man.

TY Paul and Laurie.

[markjie]

malikai, you awesome!

[laurieharris1]

Yes Nanny is still watching you play...keep up the good work.

love you nanny and poppa.

[linkfan770]

rock on dude! malikai goes to my school, and he is AWESOME!

[laurieharris1]

your so handsome Mr. Strummer can't stop watching you

[laurieharris1]

nite nite Mr. Strummer love you Nanny and Poppa.

[laurieharris1]

Good morning little man...Hope you had fun with Poppa and Auntie.

Sorry i couldn't be there...miss you all lots.see you soon.

Love Nanny.

[SpitFir3Tornado]

Malikai goes to my school he's funny this was the first time I heard him drum! His teacher told me about this video. Rock on!

[ptrafford1]

You brought tears to my eyes sweetheart...I am so proud of you. Mom and Dad you never cease to amaze me with your fanatstic ideas!! Patti

[laurieharris1]

Nanny and Poppa watching you again...Do you think were proud of you...or what little dude.XOXO

[kathytadman]

Hey Malikai! Your amazing! Way to go. Hope to see you this summer. Kathy & Ralph

[1greatnan]

Malikai, big Nanny is sooo proud of you. I am so glad I finally got to see you play the drums.  Great job also to J and R..

[angiegouthro]

Awesome work Malikai!! Keep it up, you rock buddy!! Love Angie and Scott

[shoretyus]

Rockin....Malikai.. good reason for a Harvest party if I ever seen it.

Oh .. and J & M ...you guys deserve parents of the year.....

[tarakellyhaas]

Yeah Malikai! Amazing!!

[Heyzeuse]

Wow we just watched this and are blown away, way to go.

Tara and I are so proud of you Malikai. We can not wait to hear you play at the next pig roast. I think I will be smiling for a very long time after watching this

Tim and Tara

[laurieharris1]

Malikai Nanny has to go to bed now but i watched you many times today...you make me so happy...P.S. tell daddy that we think he is one of the best fathers EVER. Nite Nite Mr. Strummer.Love Nanny and Poppa.

[philmacdo]

Awesome video - went from picking up a beat to creating his own...thats a priceless video right there! Rock On!

[laurieharris1]

Wow Malikai Poppa and Nanny are so proud of you.

[laurieharris1]

We love you so much buddy we want everyone to watch you play...You go Mr. Strummer.

Love Nanny and Poppa.

[JoeJMacD]

Malikai would like to Thank the following:

Richard and Bud's Music

Antie Emmy for Technical support

Nanny and Poppa for Malikai's drums

Grampa for the idea

and The Rosie Jones Band for influence

[JoeJMacD]

I'm very proud of him as he continues to work hard and learn new things. Ever since he was a baby we always knew he had rhythm, it was just a matter of getting it out. And just for the critics out there please understand that we (my wife and I ) did not set out to make Malikai into a "drummer" but rather just to give him an outlet : I think that is how most musicians start out anyhow... just looking for an outlet.

[JoeJMacD]

These are videos that I made of my son ( he has autism ) @ his drum lessons.

Malikai just turned 11 in April but like most autistic children he has difficulty learning new things. What made me post these videos ( 1 edited version and a full length 3 part series ) of 1 lesson on St. Patrick's '09 was that all of a sudden everything just seemed to "click" into place all at once.