Music Speaks In Silence

In light of our recent World Autism Day, I wanted to share this video clip from CNN about the difference music has made in this boy's life. Without a traditional "voice" to communicate, music gives him words that nothing else can. Enjoy and be inspired. We are all created differently, but in His image - "beautifully and wonderfully..."
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/podcasts/nancygrace/site/2008/04/04/ng.cross.exam.4.04.cnn?iref=videosearch

Making music matter,
jg

Autism Awareness

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time that's been set aside specifically to try to educate our society about Autism and its growing prevalence. In February of 2007 it was reported to effect 1 in 150 children - 1 in 94 boys! The cause of Autism isn't yet known, but great strides are being made in daily research. We do know specific signs and symptoms to look for - lack of social interaction, fixation on certain objects or motor movement, lack of or delay in spoken language, repetitive language, and lack of pretend play. These symptoms can affect the individual in a variety of ways to various degrees. It can be difficult to diagnose at times, but as we all know, knowledge is power! Even if you are blessed with healthy children and haven't experienced Autism in your current circle, it's more than likely with the prevalent numbers, that your child may be sitting next to an Autistic child some day in his or her classroom. As mentioned earlier, intervention in early diagnosis can make a world of difference, allowing affected children to mainstream into regular classroom settings. Learn what you can so that you can make a difference and empower your child with the ability to interact and befriend those different than them. Reserve your judgment of that mom in the grocery store who appears to not be able to control her child. Offer a helping hand instead of a disgusted look. You never know the journey another has walked.

Below is a link regarding current information on Autism - WONDERFUL coverage from CNN on vaccinations; something every parent of a young child should consider.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/04/01/intv.austism.halvorsen.cnn

Stay tuned for more to come on Autism and music intervention!

Making music matter,
jg

Don't Forget!

Tots and Tunes is at Chick-Fil-A Kid's Night TONIGHT from 5-8 pm. Kid's Meals are 99 cents and there will be tons of music and fun to boot! Join me at the Mt. Juliet Providence location for this terrific event!

Tomorrow, Wednesday March 26th, I'll be at the Thompson Lane Library for a Kindermusik Story Time. See you at 10:30 AM with bells on!

Making music matter,
jg