phat5
Well-known member
Anyone know of any pro/semi pro bassists and guitarists who are autistic? Links?
- Thread starter phat5
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marsguitars
Well-known member
An interesting question... can I ask the background?
phat5
Well-known member
Yes...My oldest boy (13yrs.) was diagnosed with P.D.D.N.O.S. (pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified when he was 5yrs.) although he displays Asbergers characteristics. He's currently playing euphonium in the middle school band and plans on playing in the hs marching band. My Moms side of the family is very musical (although I got the short end of the stick as far a talent goes) and it has showed up in my sons abilities. When I was his age, I played euph too, but he WAY surpasses what I was able to accomplish. You can throw any music in front of him, and he can count it out.....I on the other hand still struggle with rhythm charts
We were talking the other day, and he was curious, if there are other musicians like him. I'm going to start him on bass this summer, so that he will be able to double in high school; not much call for euph/baritone in jazz ensembles.His real gift is drawing cartoons.........you should see the family Christmas card he drew.
marsguitars
Well-known member
Hi Phat, thanks for sharing.
It's great to see musical talent in those who struggle in other areas of life. My band plays once a year or so for a charity group of people with learning difficulties, Downs syndrome etc., and they love it - some of the most enthusiastic audiences we've had.
Good luck with your son's musical journey...
It's great to see musical talent in those who struggle in other areas of life. My band plays once a year or so for a charity group of people with learning difficulties, Downs syndrome etc., and they love it - some of the most enthusiastic audiences we've had.
Good luck with your son's musical journey...
From my point of view, Prince seems to exhibit some traits of Asperger's, and IMO he's a great guitarist. I could be and probably am totally wrong, however. I have a cousin with mild autism, so I'm fairly accustomed to their tendancies.
phat5
Well-known member
Hi Phat, thanks for sharing.
It's great to see musical talent in those who struggle in other areas of life. My band plays once a year or so for a charity group of people with learning difficulties, Downs syndrome etc., and they love it - some of the most enthusiastic audiences we've had.
Good luck with your son's musical journey...[/QUOTe
Marsguitars, thanks for the wake up call! I'll approach my band mates about playing for a local learning center...........everyone needs to raise funds!
Voo
Well-known member
Music and Artistic ability are both VERY common traits in Autism. Generally those with Autism, especially those with Asperger's. Depending on his level you might even want to see about special programs to develop his talents. I have a good friend who actually got his son a full scholarship to the Atlanta Institute of Art soley based on his talent and his aspergers.
As far as the P.P.D.N.O.S. who diagnosed him? Was it a Psychiatrist? Psychologist? or General Practicioner? If it was a GP get a second opinion ASAP. THe main reason I say this is that GP's have little to no training in mental disorders they simply look through a book and play hit or miss. A Psychologist can actually test your son to see + he will know exactly what to look for
Anyway thats my 2 cents
As far as the P.P.D.N.O.S. who diagnosed him? Was it a Psychiatrist? Psychologist? or General Practicioner? If it was a GP get a second opinion ASAP. THe main reason I say this is that GP's have little to no training in mental disorders they simply look through a book and play hit or miss. A Psychologist can actually test your son to see + he will know exactly what to look for
Anyway thats my 2 cents
phat5
Well-known member
Thanks for the reply....Yes he's artistic, maybe later I'll post one of his free hand drawings. Last year I took him to a comic book / art seminar at the local library. I approached the artist, who writes / draws for Marvel and DC comics, and showed him a folder full of my sons drawings. His first response was "He's a penciler and inker....he will have no problem getting into the comic book industry".
We had him diagnosed by the local Grant Wood AEA, they work with most of the school districts in east central Iowa.
Wasn't a GP that diaged him, a psychologist who specializes in mental disabilities. We have also entered him in weekend art classes at the University of Iowa, as well as a reading program thru the U of I. He's doing well, and he makes his mom & pop very proud
Voo
Well-known member
thats awesome to hear!
how long ago was he tested?
Since he got a N.O.S. its very possible that some of the other symptoms may not have been identified at the time. You may want to look into this because there could be alot of grants and special programs he could qualify.
how long ago was he tested?
Since he got a N.O.S. its very possible that some of the other symptoms may not have been identified at the time. You may want to look into this because there could be alot of grants and special programs he could qualify.
phat5
Well-known member
He was tested @ 5yrs. and he's now 14. We pretty much ran the gammut on testing and programs (my wife has all the details). Prior to his diagnosis, my wife taught 3rd grade in So. Cal for 12yrs. We moved to Iowa in '99 and had him tested after leaving preschool; Grantwood AEA has been very helpful. My wife subbed at the Elementary school in town, and recently graduated with a second masters in Spec Ed./ LD (learning disabilities) and got her state endorsement. In short, our son's diagnosis, encouraged her to not only learn about autism, but to become fully involved with educating in the autism/spec. ed. field. She has been teaching spec. ed / reading recovery, for the local elementary school for 4 years now, and really enjoys her work.
candid_x
Well-known member
- Joined
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Many kids are overlooked and misunderstood because their aptitude doesn't fit within the useful little boxes we try to stuff them into.
"At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since." ~ Salvador Dali
"At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since." ~ Salvador Dali
Hey phatty,
I went looking for some research online, I found a couple of pages, one page has a bunch of articles about autism and music.
Research on music therapy and autism includes evidence that music can enhance social and communication skills for children with autism.
Autism and music research suggests children with autism benefit from music instruction and may hide musical talents including enhanced pitch processing abilities.
I went looking for some research online, I found a couple of pages, one page has a bunch of articles about autism and music.
Research on music therapy and autism includes evidence that music can enhance social and communication skills for children with autism.
Autism and music research suggests children with autism benefit from music instruction and may hide musical talents including enhanced pitch processing abilities.
phat5
Well-known member
Thank you bro'! I need some good reading material for tonight.
