Autism's Gifts- Zachary's Piano Recital '09 -

Zachary is 5 years old and recently completed preschool. He was diagnosed with autism at age 2 1/2 and non-verbal until age 3. We like to say that he is "recovering" from Autism. He started receiving INTENSE early intervention services starting at 16 months old, along with attending an integrated preschool in Upstate NY. Soon after he turned 4 years old, after numerous rejections, we found a wonderful piano teacher/ music therapist who was willing to work with him. His first public appearance was in June of 2008. The gift of his musicality has emerged, and appears to be a counterbalance to his perceived "weaker" areas - I call this Autism's Gift.
From the "abyss" of Autism, he has emerged as a highly verbal, quirky, smart, sweet, and caring child. He will be starting Kindergarten in the fall of 2009. We look forward to seeing and sharing future milestones!
As for the funny name, he chose "Char" as a nickname vs. "Zach" after announcing and writing "Char is in zaCHARy.

Please check out Zachary's latest concert video posted on Feb 1, 2011 - he has come a long way in the past year and a half!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnuRsa-k6-c

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Autism
• recovery
• piano
• recital

[drewgilchrist]

Autism is a gift...

[TheXxgangsta]

thats autism for ya

[bombergal1]

I also have asperger's and love to play the piano, check out my channel and you'll see! :)

[kirkaspie]

awsesome

[RhiannonRoseMitchell]

why cant i be as good as him ?

[littlelily613]

He is truly amazing! As someone with autism though, I don't like to see it as an abyss, something from which to be saved. You can't recover from it, you can only learn how to embrace who you are and live in the so-called "normal" world as best as you can.

[KreativeKidsNJ]

great job Zachary! And I adore your bow for the audience =D

[mezhiya]

Between us we could make our own band. I have a 5 year old Autistic boy who cannot talk but he can sing, in tune, in time,and any song. Amazing. Well done young man xx

[darkeyce02]

simple but good

[freecounselingonline]

Its easy when you have a 1000+ year old demon playing it for you..