Playing Debussy (after only 18 months of piano lessons)

I proudly identify many of my good friends as "nerds," a classification that I have often wished to be able to share, regardless of the fact that if they were children today they would have been labeled as being with the Autism Spectrum. I, however, have had to settle for the strengths that I have relative to more plebeian labels such as Dyslexic or Learning Disabled.  I haven't been able to reach the heights of many of the "nerds" because my sensory functions are nothing extraordinary nor am I blessed with exceptional visualization skills, as are so many of the individuals labeled as being within the "spectrum." So I have had to take advantage of some of my strengths, such as those that permit me to view issues with a gestalt and creative perspective.  

I have often professed that our strength as a species lies in our uniqueness as individuals--differences that need to be identified, acknowledged, sometimes controlled or treated, but also developed and often celebrated.  For those within the "spectrum," most of the world does not realize that often the debilitating sensory addictions and excessive visualization issues that can produce such devastating developmental issues, when brought under control, can and are, in fact, gifts and strengths.

It is a tragedy that so many unique and exceptional individuals are labeled and never really given an opportunity. Yet if they are perceived as truly unique individuals with challenges and gifts, not labels, and given the opportunity to bring their exceptionalities under control and to learn to use their strengths and gifts, they can in fact be incredible contributors to our planet and live happy, successful, productive lives.  

Vive la difference!  

by Lyn Waldeck

Playing Chopin

About 18 months ago, he showed an interest in playing the piano and his parents started him in lessons. At his recent evaluation he brought his portable keyboard to show his evaluator what he has been working on.  We share this with you now as an encouragement to never give up in helping your children to achieve their full potential as they explore life, seeking their passions and enriching their future. 

Shaurya and Sasha

Shaurya is a young entrepreneur with Down syndrome, and he has made me a very proud evaluator. Shaurya, along with another young man, Sashank (also with Down syndrome), runs a small business called Sasha. Sasha began its journey from Thailand about 2 years back when the moms of the two boys got together and started exploring vocational options related to their interests. It is now an international organization with Shaurya working from India and Sashank in Thailand. Shaurya also does pottery making and paintings. 

Recently I had the opportunity to see him in action when we went for a vocational fair here in New Delhi. This was his first display of Sasha products and his individual works in India. Shaurya had put cards, bookmarks, wrapping paper, and wine bags on display and sale. There were Christmas decorations, ceramic pottery pieces and a painting for sale as well, which were his individual works.

I had before seen pictures of the things he was creating which I was really proud of; but I had never seen him being a sales man and a PR agent for his company. That day I was just blown over. Various media companies were there to cover the event. They chose a few stalls to feature and our dear Shaurya had been successful in attracting everybody to his stall. He posed and posed for the cameras and showed everyone his items. He even did a live radio event that day.

He went around exploring other stalls and inviting people to his, even giving directions. I saw a very involved, independent, responsible and proud young man. He was impressive and for sure left an impression on so many people that day. His work isn't simple... it involves expertise and hard work from both his mom and him. His ceramic pieces have his artistic interpretation coursing through them. He is not mechanically churning out items as he is taught like we often see. He is a proud artist and I am proud to be his evaluator.