An Online Magazine Dedicated to Awareness, Acceptance and Awesomeness Presented by We Rock for Autism
April 2015 Issue #8
INTERVIEW WITH COUNTRY MUSIC STAR ON THE RISE... JOHNNY ORR Aint It A Wonderful Life by Joe Normal
Autism Awareness Month Issue
Facebook Pages We LIKE Rockin' Mom writes open letter Music Therapy Night of Too Many Stars Presented by
April 2015 Issue
Editor: Chris Wilson Proofreader and Content Editor: Justin Wilson, Jr. Subscribe for FREE today! www.TheMonthlyMelody.com/subscibe ___________________________________________________________________________________________ The Monthly Melody is a Publication of We Rock for Autism, Inc. a Nonprofit Organization. PO BOX 25884, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 – support@werockforautism.org www.themonthlymelody.com – www.werockforautism.org ___________________________________________________________________________________________ The Monthly Melody and We Rock for Autism, Inc. does not endorse the views, products, or services contained herein. We are not responsible for omissions or errors. The Monthly Melody and We Rock for Autism, Inc. are not responsible for articles submitted to us without the final approval of the organization’s President. All articles and Advertisements are subject to final approval by our Board. We reserve the right to edit any article sent to us. Letters to The Editor should be sent to support@werockforautism.org We do not publish open letters or third-party letters. Letters for publication must include the writer’s address and phone numbers. We cannot return or acknowledge unpublished letters. Writers of those letters selected for publication will be notified prior to press date. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. . Copyright © 2015 We Rock for Autism, Inc. All rights reserved. Content contained in this publication may be reproduced for onetime personal use. However, anyone wishing to reproduce and distribute any content from within this publication for purposes other than personal use must request this intention in writing directly to the publisher. Failure to do so will be in violation of the copyright held by this publication.
STATEMENT OF POLICY AND DISCLAIMER The views expressed in any articles or advertisements included in this publication are not necessarily those of The Monthly Melody or the publishers We Rock for Autism, Inc. The Monthly Melody, We Rock for Autism, Inc. and the publishers do not promote or recommend any specific therapy, treatment, institution or professional viewpoint. Please check with a doctor when changing any diet or major nutritional change.
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An open letter to the world from an Autism mom
change. I want to see autism awareness and ACTION! The world wasn’t prepared for 1 in 68….but here we are. It’s beyond time to make this right. Our kids deserve it!!!
By Rockin Mom
MUCH LOVE to you and yours,
To whom it may concern (and it concerns EVERYONE!!),
Rockin Mom
April is autism awareness month. I don’t know how much you know about autism, but as the proud parent of an almost 13 yr old son who has this diagnosis, I would like for you to take the time to read, and to really absorb my words. Put yourself in our shoes. Let yourself feel what we feel. My son was born into a world that wasn’t prepared for him. And honestly, he was born into a world that doesn’t deserve his perfectly pure heart and soul. He is so much more than most people will ever see. I don’t like to say that I’m thankful for autism, because with all it has robbed my son of, I’m not, but damn am I ever grateful that I was blessed with this bright, beautiful child. He has taught me what is really truly important in life- unconditional love and standing up for what’s right. So that has become my life’s mission. What I want, and what we need most for our community, is REAL awareness and action to back it up. I want to see worthwhile, transparent research that isn’t done by big pharma and CDC officials who bounce back and forth from Merck. I want to see the CDC be held responsible when they hide data from the people. I want to see worldwide programs for wandering and drowning education. I want to see Autism signs on every single street where our families live. I want to see insurance policies that cover REAL non-toxic help for our kids. I want to see schools, teachers, police, healthcare workers, and firefighters that are all properly trained to understand individuals with autism. I want to see jobs and helpful communities for adults with autism. I want to see parents educating their neurotypical kids that it’s OK to be different. I want them to teach their kids to be understanding, and patient, and to treat our kids with respect. I want to see help. I want to see
__________________________________________ To keep up with Rockin’ Mom, be sure to visit:
ROCKIN MOM’S WORLD featuring Autism Posts, DIY Ideas, Safe Website and App Recommendations, Reviews, Fashion Ideas and so much more
And find her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for updates, funny stuff, inspiring posts and more….she ROCKS!
Thanks to your support We Rock For Autism has been able to provide several music therapy session to Evin and he is doing GREAT over at Cadenza Center for Psychotherapy & the Arts, Inc. Thank you to everyone who has helped us help Evin!!! We are so proud of Evin.....
Evin and his music therapist, Jasmine!
From Evin’s Mom… “I wanted to thank you sooooooo much for this opportunity your organization has provided my family.
Evin had his first
music therapy session on Feb. 16th!!! He looooooved every second of it. I haven't seen him that happy or excited. It brought tears to my eyes to see him excited to learn, to take part of the instruments but most of all to focus on an actual task. It breaks my heart to see him in his own little world I will admit and all I know to do take him out of it is some form of music. Music is the only true thing that keeps his attention. I know that each session will forever impact his life. I can't express my gratitude enough.” Claudia B.
What is Music Therapy and How Can it Help an Individual with Autism? by Allison Lockhart, MT-BC
A music therapist walks into an elevator carrying a load of instruments. An individual in the elevator eyes the instruments curiously and asks, “What are you lugging around all those instruments for?” The music therapist responds by saying, “I’m a music therapist and I’m providing music therapy services here today.” The individual furrows their brow and says, “Hmm music therapy, that sounds interesting. I’ve never heard of that before….what is it?” The music therapist, knowing this question was coming, mentally chuckles and then smiles, ready and happy to respond. This is the age-old question asked to music therapists. Music Therapy is a growing profession, and within the past few years it has been gaining more and more national recognition through television, movies, news, online media, and social network cites. However, most media sources do not fully portray music therapy accurately or they only show a small part of the picture. So the question still lies: What REALLY is music therapy? Simply put, music therapy is a research and evidence-based practice that uses music interventions to reach non-musical, individualized goals. Such individualized goals can address and enhance behavior, communication, socialization, emotional expression, physical/motor rehabilitation, sensory integration, and academic/cognitive functioning. A music therapist assesses an individual and develops a treatment plan that tailors music interventions to a client’s
abilities, needs, and preferences (including musical preferences). While working with a client, the therapist documents responses and progress towards target goals. It is a process of ongoing evaluation where the therapist modifies goals during review periods in order to keep goals current with client’s needs and maximize client’s potential. But how can music therapy specifically help an individual on the autism spectrum? The American Music Therapy Association states that the music therapist “integrates a variety of ASDspecific evidence-based strategies (e.g., prompting, reinforcement, picture schedule) and music therapy techniques (e.g., singing/vocalization, instrument play, movement/dance, musical improvisation, songwriting/ composition, listening to music, or computer based music activities)” in order to provide a client with “intentional and developmentally sound music experiences.” This is important from a therapeutic standpoint; however, you may still be asking yourself: Why music therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum? I will answer this question in four parts:
1.) Music is structured and predictable The wonderful thing about music therapy for individuals with autism is that research shows that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder are many times inclined with heightened musical aptitude and sensitivity to musical elements (Heaton, 2005). While not all individuals with autism are musical savants, all can benefit from music therapy services. Music by nature is engaging, accessible, structured, predictable, and consistent. These are all qualities that are many times important to individuals with autism. Music therapy sessions build upon and enhance these qualities resulting in a type of therapy that is very in tune to the learning needs of an individual on the spectrum. Simply put: structure + predictability = less stress= brain being able to process information.
2.) It organizes the brain Music is also one of the few natural ways to target the brain stem. What does that mean exactly? Well when an individual with autism is having sensory integration issues, it can be nearly impossible for them to intake and learn new
information. These sensory integration issues can include the individual experiencing overstimulation or craving a certain sensory input. You may notice individuals with autism sometimes jumping, trying to squish themselves between objects, or covering their ears. These can all be signs of a sensory integration issue. This sensory need is the number one priority before the individual can process any new sensory information around them and before any learning can take place. The way to fulfill this need is through providing the necessary stimulation to the brainstem. Music and repetitive rhythm, along with actually sensory input (e.g. bouncing the individual on a therapy ball or using lap pads), are the ways to get through to the brainstem. This opens the door to endless possibilities when teaching individuals with autism concepts through music.
3.) It increases connections in the brain Music continues to provide benefits to the brains of individuals on the spectrum by increasing dopamine levels. In fact, music is one of the few natural dopamine enhancers. Again, why is this important for an individual with autism? While we don’t know the cause of autism, we know that it is very neurologically based and that individuals with ASD tend to have trouble communicating between different parts of the brain. Dopamine increases connections in the brain, thus helping these individuals’ bridge gaps.
4.) It engages the whole brain Music engages the WHOLE brain. It is not just located in one hemisphere or section; it is present everywhere. That makes it a great tool to improve areas such as speech. Sometimes an individual with autism may have difficulties speaking due to lack of development in the verbalization areas of the brain. Yet this individual may still be able to sing because singing engages the whole brain, and thus engages areas of the individuals brain that are more developed. Through singing, the music therapist can help improve an individual’s speech with the goal being to eventually fade out the singing and have the individual just speak. These are just some of the ways that music therapy can help individuals on the spectrum. Music therapy opens up many possibilities and is
becoming a highly sought out therapy for individuals with ASD. It is important to touch on where to seek out a music therapist if you are interested in services. First, it’s important to find a Board Certified Music Therapist. A music therapist must complete an approved music therapy collegiate program, and receive board certification in order to be qualified to practice. We Rock for Autism has partnered with the Cadenza Music Therapy Center in Hollywood, FL, along with myself, a private practitioner serving areas from West Palm Beach through Miami, to help provide individuals on the spectrum in South Florida with quality music therapy services. However, if you are not in these areas you can visit the American Music Therapy Association’s (AMTA) website: www.musictherapy.org and search in the online directory to find a certified music therapist in your area. You can also contact the AMTA national office for more information (info@musictherapy.org; (301) 589-3300). Look for future articles discussing specific ways music therapy is used to address sensory, social, behavioral, communication, cognitive, and physical/motor goals, a long with ways you can use music with a child with autism outside of the music therapy setting in places like your home.
Allison Lockhart is a board certified music therapist. To inquire about services or for more information, you can contact her at alockhartmusictherapy@gmail.com.
Artist Raises Awareness for Autism Research
Hernandez is painting a mural on the side of the building to give back and bring attention to the cause. “I’ve grown up a lot and you know its not like before when you put something on that wall that is going to give you fame or something like that,” Hernandez added. “It is something that is going to create so much more, it’s going to create a lot of awareness.” He wanted to make the design recognizable so it didn’t need any explanation. “We made the decision that a puzzle behind the baby that has actually found and reached up to the actual autism piece,” said Hernandez. A celebration of the completion of the mural will take place Saturday, April 4 at Longboards in downtown West Palm Beach. The “Art 4 Autism” begins at 1 p.m. and 10% of the restaurants proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks. The event will also include vintage cars, live music and a silent auction and raffle.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - It was a long twoyear process but Anthony Hernandez and his family wouldn’t give up on a dream.
People can follow the progress of the mural on Instagram at Anthony Hernandez Art and on Facebook at Art4Autism.
“There’s a time I wanted to give up so bad but like I said, my wife was relentless,” Hernandez said. “She is constantly on me ‘don’t worry, we will get it’.” Hernandez wanted a place to make a statement and get people’s attention. He found it on the side of the Department of Transportation building near I-95 and Okeechobee Boulevard. “It looked like an odd building and I knew it was an old fire training station for the fire department and I saw it and I said you know what we have to do something about this building and what better than to do something for autism,” Hernandez said. The disorder is close to Hernandez’s heart. His cousin’s son is on the autism spectrum and he has close friends facing it in their own families.
Source: www.WPTV.com
August 28th - 30th, 2015 Melbourne Auditorium Melbourne, FL Buy Tickets NOW!
www.80sinthePark.com
Johnny Orr
Country Music Star Talks about His Music, Touring, Family and Autism Awareness. We talk with the Singer / Songwriter of We’ll Get By (The Autism Song), Johnny Orr.
Johnny Orr, the vocalist and primary songwriter of the Johnny Orr Band (JOB), founded his band back in 2007 and has since risen to the top of the NC market, Currently Johnny has been making his way around the country promoting the band’s latest E.P. Down South. The new E.P. features great songs about life, love and just plain having fun on a weekend. The new E.P. also features the current hit “We’ll Get By (The Autism Song) which has become an anthem and theme song for many autism awareness organizations. The song was written at the request of family raising two boys on the spectrum, but is easily relatable to the entire autism community. JOB is no stranger to the spotlight, their career has put them on stage opening for some of the biggest acts in country music, including Kenny Chesney, the Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, Gretchen Wilson, Parmalee, Cole Swindell, Tyler Farr, Jason Michael Carroll and more.
There are very few things in life that can spark a memory or feeling like a well written song. A good song can bring you back to a place in time, put a smile on your face or break your heart all over again. Very few genres of music have the ability to tell a story with more detail and heart than country music. Whether it’s a song of lasting love, a relationship gone bad, tragedy or pride, country artist have a unique way of transcending feelings into music and lyrics. Today’s country music has gone one step further and the new artists have mastered the art of infusing other styles of music into their traditional country sound, including rock and roll, blues and even a little hip hop. But, very few artists have emerged with the ability to combine the modern country sound with the old school feelings and real life lyrics like Raleigh, NC local Johnny Orr.
Their bio states that the members of JOB aspire to nothing less than greatness and worldwide success. “We want to do it all,” Johnny says, “and we intend to keep working as hard as anybody and do it at the highest level. We’re going to know that we did our best at what we loved, and I’ll know that my songs hopefully changed some people’s lives for the better.” We caught up with Johnny on his current radio tour and he was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule and talk with us.After learning more about Johnny and the band, hearing their tunes and getting to know Johnny a little better, we have no doubt that they are on fast track to success, so read the interview and then go visit www.JohnnyOrrBand.com and get your copy of Down South and crank it up! Johnny, let’s start by letting everyone know what you have been up to… Your current tour, new album, plans for the near future…? Currently on a radio station tour covering as many states as they'll book for me,
New EP is under way, discussing new songs I've written, deciding what to record, and hoping to book some small opening spots on tour with whoever will have us. We are currently trying to procure the right agent for us to get the right tour under way. How long has J.O.B (Johnny Orr Band) been around and where did you get your start? As with many artists, I've been doing this for as long as I can remember. A couple of the band mates (Gino and Jack) have been with me for more about 10 years or so. We just gel together well and know what each other is going to do. We're goofballs and like to have fun.
We are generally high energy. Just like my EP cover, I jump around and sing till I'm completely red in the face from putting all I have into every show. We are in the process of acquiring some better visual effects for our show with lighting and such, LED screens etc... But for now, we just want the audience to interact with us and enjoy what we have to bring to the table and leave there with "us" on their minds. Or hear a song they like and buy it right there on the spot before we finish singing it.
Who are your biggest musical influences? Believe it or not, John Cougar Mellencamp, Boston, Bryan Adams, and the like as well as Kenny Rogers, Jerry Reed, Edwin McCain, Tom T. Hall, and Don Williams were all big influences on my writing. I have rock roots as well as country roots and todays country has helped find a place for me to be able to embrace the marriage of the multi-genres in my writing and performance style. "Why fight it"- "If I can't beat one style into submission, then join them together and throw it up against the wall and see what happens"... the result was J.O.B. What bands or artists are you currently listening to? I love Dierks Bentley, awesome artist, I've always listened to Keith Urban, Zac Brown Band, and definitely Kenny Chesney. Lee Brice is my newest favorite. Love the songs he records, they're just incredible and infectious.. They "move" me. How would you describe a Johnny Orr Band live show? It all depends on where we're at or if I'm doing a solo acoustic show or with the band. We feed completely off of the audience.
Your song We’ll Get By (The Autism Song) has gotten some great reviews and all though it is relatable to many, you have said it was written for / inspired by a specific family. Can you tell us about the inspiration for the song? The best way to describe it is on my Youtube channel. www.YouTube.com/Johnnyorrmusic I have 2 videos describing how it came about and why I wrote it. But to sum it up, a family that struggles with this with their twin boys on the spectrum, approached me about writing something for autism and it took about a year to finally have something to put down on paper. Once the words started flowing, then it only took one day to complete it basing it on their stories and the stories that I found online. It was so emotional writing this and it seemed to help this family heal in some way, and gave her
children a voice that they otherwise didn't seem to have at the time. We were so happy at the outcome and decided that everyone should hear it so we put it on the record and it's doing really well. Have any specific autism based organizations helped you out? If so, let’s give them a shout out for helping. Autism Awareness and Blooming With Autism are two of the sources that have helped. We're really hoping that Autism Speaks will want to be a participant as well but it's difficult on our level to get connected to the powers that be to make that happen. We've reached out to some heavy hitting celebrities as well, but once again, getting that connection to them is difficult at our current status. I'm hoping that some more charting success and more 1000's of views that we get will help make some noise and raise enough chatter that someone will stand up and help out... We are encouraged though... It'll happen, you'll see. Have you had experience within the autism community prior to writing and performing this song? And, has your perception changed since the release of We’ll Get By (The Autism Song)? I knew nothing about autism before I wrote this song. I'm still learning as I go. It's only stories and experiences from others that I can learn more since I don't personally have anyone close to me on the spectrum. It's tough sometimes. Some would say I had no right to write such an important piece about autism when I don't personally deal with it myself. But this family reached out to me and that took courage, and I felt this uncontrollable pull in my spirit to be a part of this and thought to myself, "Someone needs to write this", so God must have wanted me to do it so I submitted myself to whatever the outcome was going to be and did what I thought was right. I did it with a pure heart and with the best of intentions for all who struggle with this. I hope that resonates in the song.
Where can our readers go to download or buy your music? And are a portion of the proceeds from We’ll Get By (The Autism Song) going to any specific charity? My website www.johnnyorrband.com is a one stop shop to find everything J.O.B. related. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, videos, music for purchase, it can all be found there. ITunes and Amazon are the two big sources for buying the singles or the whole EP... it's only $7 bucks for the whole thing. We wanted to make it affordable for everyone. We will be dividing up 20% of all proceeds of "We'll Get By" to Autism Awareness and Blooming with Autism, and if Autism Speaks comes along, then they will also benefit from the sales. It's important for us to give that back. Families are in need of help. Obviously you can give straight to those organizations instead, but we feel that having this song on your phone or in your ITunes catalog will also help raise awareness and give comfort to those in need of hearing these words. Johnny, we like your style. You are a great entertainer and tell it how it is. As you stated, you did not write this song for everyone, you wrote it for the family that inspired it. What was their reaction when they first heard the song? They were crying and couldn't even listen to the whole song with many attempts for the first several times they listened. She said to me, "How in the world did you do that"? "How did you speak for my non-verbal sons in a way that I could understand what they must go through"? I can't tell you how many emails I get now that say the same thing... They literally ask, "How do you know my story and what we go through"? It's amazing. Back to the new album. I know you are the main songwriter (as a musician, I love that you actually write material) but, how did the new songs come about?
Real life experiences bro. I write about my childhood a lot, or real personal experiences. Of course I add fabricated things, but I write what I see and feel. I love writing in "first person" (I, Me, My, We, etc..) because it adds a personal touch and identifies with the listener, and it takes me back to that experience that I may have had way back when so it actually helps me in some way to deal with it, whether it's a relationship situation, bully in school, mom or dad, friends having fun, and everything in between.
What is your favorite track on the album? That's the toughest question in the world to answer, (chuckles) I made this record to flow. It goes from a heavy rock sound to start it off, gradually gets softer and softer as the EP perfectly flows to "We'll Get By". This EP is the perfect representation of a weekend… Friday & Saturday- you get "BOTTOM'S UP" and "DOWN SOUTH". Sunday you chill and think about the good ole days with "SUNDAY IN SAVANNAH" and plan your next get away to Mexico with "I DON'T SPEAK SPANISH", then Monday morning you ponder your relationship status with "YOU CAN'T HIDE LOVE", deal with regret maybe a little, lol, then you focus on your responsibilities and family time, knowing that you can get through anything that challenges you in "WE'LL GET BY". It’s "Real" country, "Real" life, and the "real" you.
The video for “Down South” looks like it was a blast to film. How was that and how long did it take to film? We had a real party that day called Shale-apalooza. Shale is the CEO of our label- John & John Entertainment. He throws this party every year so we decided to film the party and everything that really goes on. Unfortunately two other larger acts (Parmalee& Florida Georgia Line) also filmed extremely similar videos after we did. I know that no one copied us or anything, we all just happen to have the same idea at the same time and so there it was. But, the difference is- ours was real. No models or fabricated events for this party. This really happens every year. The only part that we put together was the table scene with our CEO's family and me, plus the driving of my friends '64 Chevy. The girl in the video is Shale's real girlfriend, (my girl was there throughout the video but didn't want to be a focal point). We had an absolute blast filming this entire thing in just one day... When you are not performing or writing, what do you do for fun? The slow season (January thru end of March) is tough, so I have a lot of free time during the week to come and go as I please, lunch at Hooter's with the label CEO (Shale) and stuff like that. But usually, it's just me and Bella (aka "The Poodle") during the day, and my girl Lindsay-(aka "Red headed bombshell") comes home after work and I cook dinner for us and we watch "House of Cards" or a movie or catch up on reality shows that we like. I love serving, so making sure that my girls are feeling like they are taken care of is what I like to do in my off time. I'm gone a lot on radio tours so every moment counts with them when I'm off. The weekends, I try to perform Friday and Saturday nights to make my living as much as I can. When the warmer months hit, I'm usually trying to perform 3-5 nights a week, so I'm tied up
at night for the most part. There really isn't a "fun" thing outside of performing because that's a party in and of itself. So I'm usually chillin’ at home when I'm off. I do love the beach though, so any chance we get to go, we'll put the windshield in the wind and go. (I have lots of videos on my YouTube channel that I love to make for y'all to see me cooking, or goofing around the house)enjoy Who would you say is the biggest inspiration in your life? Probably my grandmother Ellen. She's a servant at heart (never serving herself), and is the kindest, sweetest person in the world. I wish that I could be as good of a person and as optimistic as she always is. She oozes love and has never met a stranger that she wouldn't hug and tell them how much they are special and are loved by our creator. Other than that, I love to read books or watch a true life story/movie that of someone who dreamed of being a success in something, and they actually achieve it.. It has helped me not to give up. I may get down a little sometimes knowing that I've put all my blood, sweat, and tears, tears, and more tears into this business thinking that if I work real hard that everything will work out the way I hope it will just to see our level of success not be what we desired, but then to see an inspiring story of someone just like me to "get there", really moves me to keep trying, if that makes sense. I need those stories in my life. I want to BE one of those stories for someone else's life one day. What advice do you have for kids that may have special needs or get bullied? I don't know that I have the advice to give that person. All I can say is that I've been through the bullies in school, and I've dealt with being the "not so popular" kid in school, feeling alone etc... And you just have to keep on keeping on. You have to focus on the fact that you are God's creation. He doesn't make any junk. He made you just the way you are and He loves you if no one
else in the world does. It may not seem like it at times, but He's there and sees everything that you're going through. Stay true to who you are and always, always, always, be kind to others and be willing to help or be there for someone else despite your challenging abilities. You have to get through this tough time in your life so that one day, you can be a light or a mentor in someone else's life when they come to you for guidance.You, they will come to you‌ Johnny, thanks man! You ROCK! Go ahead and end this thing how you see fit‌What do you want to leave our readers with? I love you all and am thankful for all that I have. It's my prayer and desire that you'll love all the songs that I bring to you, and that my words and thoughts will inspire you and help us all to change when needed, and that you'll be willing to share with others my stories, your own stories, my songs, videos and everything in between. I want to spread this to the world and I can't do that without you and your help. It takes community and unity to reach the far ends of the earth. Together we can get there and I so appreciate you being willing to be a part of our journey. God BlessJohnny
Bustin 4 Autism in a non profit organization that helps children attend special needs camps and fun, socially stimulating activities.
To Donate or be a Sponsor visit our website www.Bustin4Autism.com or email us Bustin4Autism@gmail.com
Els Foundation raises $1.2 M for autism research The 7th Annual Els for Autism Foundation Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament held in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on Monday, March 9 raised $1.2 million to benefit the Els for Autism Foundation. The foundation plans in August to open the $30 million Els Center of Excellence in the Limestone Creek neighborhood near Jupiter to help children with autism. Plans call for a 100,000-square-foot school and resource center for 300 students from 3 to 21 years old. The facility is scheduled to include a sports complex and swimming pool that would be available for community use. Source: Palm Beach Post About Els for Autism The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and LiezlEls to focus on the issue of autism. The Els son Ben is profoundly impacted by the disorder which affects 1 in 68 children in the U.S. For the last four years the world class pro golfer and his wife have devoted their efforts to a catalytic philanthropic project - The Els Center of Excellence. The first of its kind Center will focus on a digital e- learning platform that gives children on the spectrum around the world access to best practices in education and therapy. It will also help connect the international autism community with best practices and the very latest information and research. The 26 acre facility will also have an onsite education for 300 students ages 3-21, medical and professional services, research, transition to adulthood, adult living and on-site job training. The Foundation has launched a capital campaign to raise $30 million to finance the facility; the Els' have committed $6 million of their own money. Visit: ElsforAutism.com
Joe N O R M A L
AIN’T THIS A WONDERFUL LIFE? By Joe Normal
I never asked for a child with Autism, andI’m sure every parent of a Special Needs child out there feels the same way.
Eventually, all that searching for answers and deliverance caught up with me. I realized the best I could do for my child and for myself was to just talk about it… And as a Songwriter, that meant to justSING about it. So, I offer you this message of hope... A song from my new CD “Crude Folk” Ain’t This A Wonderful Life–
We’d never even heard of Autism when Drayke was born in 2002, and certainly no one handed usany kind of guide book on parenting a child, let alone a child with Autism. So here we are on this journey into the unknown, picking up the scattered clues and popcorn kernels left by other parentsalong the endless dirt roads, winding through a forest so deep and dark it seems we may never enter the light that we hope will finally shine our way out of this reality, and into a glorious sunny day that awaits… if we can only hold onto faith long enough to endure the endless challenges, twists, and turns. We’d come to spend every bit of our savings and money on programs, interventions, tests, therapies, gimmicks, psychics, doctors, healers, medicines, herbs, supplements… We read every book, attended every seminar, visited every website, pondered every theory, entertained every hunch, asked every specialist, discussed with, debated and listened to every parent, school board and so-called expert… No matter what we tried or where we turned, we found ourselves exactly in the same place we’d started… with the same situation, the same family, the same hope, the samededication… only perhaps a day further into the forest.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKiyRiK5Dg I’m watching you growing, And wherever you’re going, I’ll be right there beside you Every step of the way, As you make your way through life.
Some things you won’t understand about, But if you take my hand, no doubt Together we’ll find a path Around each stone in the way As we make ourselves a life. And ooh… Ain’t this a wonderful life. Ooh… Ain’t it a wonderful life. And if you feel like an outcast, Remember my love will outlast The trivial situations You’ll encounter in time, And like a million suns you will shine.
Ain’t no obstacle big enough That we can’t overcome with our love, So put your faith in me And with some help from above, All of our challenges will subside… And ooh… Ain’t it a wonderful life. Ooh… Ain’t it a wonderful life. So don’t forget that I love you, And your family loves you, too We’re gonna keep it together Yes, we’re going to thrive And do the best that we can with this life. And ooh… Ain’t this a wonderful life. Ooh… Ain’t it a wonderful life. DOWNLOAD THE SONG: “Ain’t This A Wonderful Life” iTUNES From Rankoutsider Records
Joe Normal www.JoeNormalUSA.com Recording Artist, Songwriter, Author, Educator (and, oh yeah… Autism Parent.) JoeNormalUSA@gmail.com
What is Music Therapy & Should Florida Regulate It?
Florida lawmakers are considering whether to require music therapists to be licensed. A handful of other states already regulate music therapy. But what is music therapy and why do lawmakers want to require this license? 10-year old Miracle Millionor’ sits on her hospital bed, wearing a red, fuzzy beanie and shaking a big, blue-beaded maraca at Florida Hospital for Children. Her music therapist, Rich Moats, sits on the bed across from her—guitar in hand. It’s hard to tell Miracle has been suffering from severe migraines stemming from a brain hemorrhage. She’s been in the hospital for three weeks and has tried all sorts of things to deal with her pain, including yoga and pet therapy. “But the one I like the most is music because it expresses my frustration dealing with my pain and it also distracts me from focusing on my pain. It’s extraordinary because it’s not my everyday life,” said Miracle. Miracle’s music therapist Rich Moats goes from room to room, providing her services to people of all ages at Florida Hospital. Everyone responds differently to music and Moats says that’s why she keeps a close eye on how her patients are responding. “Are they making eye contact? Is their heart rate going up or going down? Are they breathing heavier or are they breathing easier?” Moats says this is the clinical training that separates her from just anyone who can play guitar and has
time to sing to patients. She’s in favor of the licensing by the Florida Department of Health because it emphasizes that training. There are more than 250 music therapists in Florida that have national credentials from The Certification Board for Music Therapists. That requires at least a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and at least 1200 hours of clinical training. If this legislation passes, they’d be required to go a step further and get a state license. “It protects the public by making sure that a music therapist has actually received proper training and that our profession is being regulated,” said Music Therapist Michelle Pellito, co-chair of the task force that wrote the legislation filed this session. Georgia, North Dakota and Nevada already require music therapists to get a license. Rhode Island and Wisconsin require them to be registered. And Utah has a music therapy state certification program. The push to get states to regulate music therapy has not come without opposition. That’s according to Kimberly Sena Moore who teaches music therapy at University of Miami. Moore says most of the concerns have come from other healing professionals who want to protect what they do. “In some other states we have heard from say occupational therapists or the speech language pathology organizations and one of their first concerns is can they still use music and that we have been addressing,” said Moore. That doesn’t seem to be a concern for Florida. There’s disclaimer language in the bill that says other health care professionals can use music as long as they are working within their scope of practice. Still, if the bill passes, anyone who identifies themselves as a music therapist would need to have a license starting January first 2016. 49-year old Margie Stadt, a nurse herself, is using music therapy to recover from a series of strokes in February. She was paralyzed on her right side but is making positive gains. She says when she added music therapy to her physical therapy she needed less pain medicine. “I can’t walk unassisted yet, but I will,” said Stadt. Source: http://www.wmfe.org
Comedy Central's 'Night of Too Many Stars' Has Celebs Get Wacky For A Good Cause Raising Money for Autism Education
How do you get a bunch of the most talented comedians in one theater for a night full of crazy antics? Well, you could award Oscars like a few weeks ago, or you could raise money to benefit programs for the autism community like Comedy Central’s Night of Too Many Stars, which aired on Sunday night. The event has raised more than $18 million for the cause since it began in 2006. The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart hosted the event, which featured stand-up performances, auctioned-off wacky audience experiences, and live segments from the star-studded phone bank. There were lots and lots of laughs for a great cause. Jim Gaffigan had amusing rants about winter and Amy Schumer hilariously reflected on the filming of her upcoming film Trainwreck, directed by Judd Apatow. Saturday Night Live alumna Maya Rudolph’s song about the fundraiser’s phone number hilariously devolved into her collecting
money from the audience and sitting on the laps of random old dudes in the audience. There are actually two different celebrity auctions: One is on Omaze, where you can purchase a seriously cool experiences (Apatow will direct your Vine, or you can get tickets to Stewart’s final Daily Show to name two) to benefit the cause, and ones up for bid at the event itself. With comedian Ricky Gervais behind the gavel, Stewart got the audience at the Beacon Theater to invest in hilarious opportunities, like getting Chris Rock to become the new spokesman for Tommy Hilfiger underwear. “The reason I wear Tommy Hilfiger underwear is because it makes your d**k bigger,” he told the theater to much laughter. A schoolteacher paid to “commit a crime” with John Oliver, so they wound up stealing wine and a block of cheese from a New York deli. Sarah Silverman auctioned off the chance to play her parents in a therapeutic role-playing scenario, where she tells the winner everything she’s been meaning to tell her parents. The funniest highlight of the night was Paul Rudd’s “Wheel of Rudd.” Audience members got the chance to spin the wheel to determine how they’d interact with Rudd: “Mirror and Shotgun” (shotgun a beer with him), “Sleeping Penis” (see his privates), “Baby Bird” (he ate the person’s chewed food), and “Slap” (the opportunity to slap him). So Rudd shotgunned a beer, got baby birded, and slapped by folks from the audience. Sadly, there was no “Sleeping Penis.” As you were watching, you may have noticed there were some jarring cuts during the auction. I thought I was imagining them or it was my TV, but nope, they really happened. I can only reason that they did that for time. The Beacon Theater segments were shot on Feb. 28. And though it was released before the broadcast, Adam Sandler and Bob Barker’s Happy Gilmore reunion is totally worth another watch. They brawl in Barker’s hospital room, where they faced off throwing punches and bedpans. It’s serious business. While they settled that score, the Night of Too Many Stars raised $4 million by the end of the night. What a great night filled with hilarity and generosity. SOURCE: www.bustle.com
Workers with autism find jobs at Denver electronics recycling company
Bill Morris opened the first BlueStar Recyclers in Colorado Springs five-and-a-half years ago, after discovering how those with autism thrived with this important but repetitive work. The effort was so successful they opened a Denver Location last month. “We’ve had no absenteeism, no turnover and no lost time accidents in an industry where that’s very difficult to accomplish,” Morris said. “I like this job,” said Jack Ryan, another BlueStar employee. “I am a hard worker.”
DENVER — Recycling electronics is good for protecting the environment and your identity, but a new recycler in Denver goes a step further. BlueStarRecylcers is hiring people who often have a very hard time finding work. The new BlueStar Recyclers facility in Denver accepts electronics cast aside by society, and employees help extend the life of the disassembled parts and the environment. “If that tube gets into a landfill and breaks, it will leach lead indefinitely,” said Bill Morris, CEO of BlueStar Recyclers. “This way I kind of know that this stuff is not getting into the environment,” said Neal Anthony who works at the facility. Anthony says he is proud of his work disassembling and recycling computers, but he’s also thankful for the opportunity. “It’s sometimes a challenge locating jobs that hire,” Anthony said. “Especially somebody like me.” Anthony and his co-workers have autism, but at a time when roughly 90 percent of his peers are unemployed in Colorado, BlueStar is hiring. “When they get an opportunity to work, they knock it out of the park,” Morris said.
That’s also why BlueStar continues to expand. A few weeks ago Fort Collins based Otterbox signed a contract to bring in their defective cell phone cases for recycling. The contract allows BlueStar to offer paid internships to former students of Jefferson County Public Schools. “My goal is to get my own place and keep working,” said Mikey Quintana, who is an intern through Jeffco Transition Services. “Live life more.” “Our hope is that, when they move off the (cell phone) cases, they can move to computer disassembly,” Morris said. BlueStar currently has eight employees, but Morris said they hope to have 20 by the end of the year. Bill said they also hope to show other employers why, like the electronics, these employees should never be cast aside. “They are the best employees and the best coworkers I’ve ever had,” Morris said. BlueStar Recyclers is currently taking in all kinds of electronics for recycling in Denver. Learn more at: http://www.bluestarrecyclers.com/ Source: http://kdvr.com
Autism insurance bill goes to Mississippi governor
Rep. Gary Chism, R-Columbus, who brought up the measure Tuesday on the House floor, where members unanimously voted to send it to the governor. But small business owners apparently complained the increase would unjustly affect them, prompting a Senate amendment allowing those employing less than 100 people to pass along the charges to plan participants. "Let's get this on the books. We can always come back to this," Chrism said in response to criticism by state Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville. Holland wanted the exemption removed. "We've got an enormous problem with autism," Holland said.
Mississippi appears poised to join a growing number of states that require health insurance plans to cover autism diagnosis and treatment. The Legislature on Tuesday sent House Bill 885 to Republican Gov. Phil Bryant, who has supported the measure and is expected to sign it. It extends health insurance coverage to autism services, such as Applied Behavior Analysis – called ABA. The bill restricts coverage to children ages 2-8, but ongoing treatments can continue after that age cap if deemed medically necessary. The bill also regulates the practice of ABA therapy and requires providers obtain state licenses. "Today is a great day for so many families who face the daily struggles and challenges of autism," said state Sen. Rita Parks, R-Corinth, who authored the Senate version of the bill. "I have no doubt that this will help these children become more independent and productive citizens of our state." The average policy holder will see an estimated 32cent increase as a result of the change, said state
One in 68 children have autism, and it's four times more prevalent in boys than in girls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 10,000 children in Mississippi are living with the disorder, which causes mild-to-profound deficits in language and socialization. One of them is the 7-year-old son of Ripley resident Quess Hood, who had lobbied the Legislature last year for autism insurance coverage. "When me and my wife started this fight, it was for our son," Hood said. "But, really, it's about so many people in our state who have no hope. The worst thing in the world is having no hope. This is going to give people hope." The bill Hood had supported last year died, as have all previous attempts to pass autism insurance reform in Mississippi. But this year's effort had the support of Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and numerous legislators from both sides of the aisle, many of whom aggressively lobbied for passage. "The House and Senate voted 166 to 4 to give thousands of young Mississippi children a chance to share our future," Hosemann said of the total votes in both chambers. Both Bryant and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves also made special-needs children a priority this year, which
likely eased the bill's movement through the Legislature. Also different this year was Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi's decision to start covering ABA therapy on its own. The state's largest health insurer implemented the change on Jan. 1. It also covers children up to age 8. There is no known cure for autism, but research has shown that early and extended access to ABA therapy can lessen – and in some cases eliminate – the most debilitating effects of the disorder. But because few parents can afford the out-ofpocket costs of ABA therapy, few providers locate in Mississippi. Insurance reform, such has been adopted by 38 other states, would remedy that situation, experts say. "There is going to be an immediate and tremendous need for qualified professionals in the state," said Jim Moore, a certified behavior analysis and assistant professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Moore said Mississippi currently has less than two dozen licensed ABA therapists and that many children now simply fall through the cracks. "I hear all the time from schools how frustrated they are not knowing quite how help these children," Moore said. "Now we're going to have aggressive treatment available for them before they enter school. It will be a tremendous benefit for everybody." Also praising the move was the national autism advocacy group, Autism Speaks. "We are really thankful to the Mississippi legislature and other leaders across the state, particularly Secretary Hosemann, who spent countless hours crafting the terms of autism insurance coverage," said Autism Speaks spokeswoman LorriUnumb. "This bill will help many families throughout Mississippi in ways that are absolutely life changing for people with autism."
Source: http://www.clarionledger.com
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