Q & A with The Concert 4 Autism Co-Founder

The Concert 4 Autism is a unique live music events program designed to raise awareness and funds to help those families and individuals with Autism. A conversation with the Concert 4 Autism co-founder one Concert and Two Heart attacks later. As I found out some things change and some things never will.

Q: After two heart attacks separated by only seven weeks the obvious question is how are you feeling?
A: I’m feeling better some days compared to others, but that is to be expected I’m told. I’d say at this point I am cautiously optimistic, but realize my life certainly has changed on many levels…It’s coming to grips with and accepting it that I could do a better job with.

Q: What has been the hardest part of the heart attack ordeal for you?
A: Other than the physical heart attacks, getting shocked with a defibrillator and the uncertainty the situation brings, it has to be the lowering of expectations. I’m not even 40 yet and I’ve been to the place you don’t want to be…twice. I had to face a reality of what if today was my last day? What about my wife, my son and so many things left unfinished. What if these are my final moments? It is a frightening and life altering experience, and at the time you can only hope to survive. I consider myself lucky to be alive… and I don’t plan on wasting whatever time I have ahead of me by looking backwards. I’ve been told I came back because of “Unfinished Business” but I don’t take things for granted anymore that’s for sure.

Q: What did you learn from the first concert and how will that impact events moving forward?
A: The initial concert was both an amazing performance and an equally amazing learning experience at the same time. We had some great people involved and the venue, sound and bands were awesome. We could not have been more pleased with that aspect. The live stream was something we did not know what to expect. It turned out to be the most exciting and unexpected aspect of the concert. It was obvious just from the numbers we were on to something…but what was the question. Letters and emails poured in from all around across the country from California to New York and points in between thanking us for the experience of a live music event for Autism online for the first time. We came to realize we had scratched the surface of something more than just another concert. We agreed a few changes needed to be made in order to begin tapping into this enormous potential moving forward.

Q: How does the Concert 4 Autism differ from other charity concerts?
A: The Concert 4 Autism Distinguishes itself in three fundamental ways.
1. We are real people not some faceless corporation or heartless promoters. I have heart disease, my wife is a type I diabetic and our son has Autism. We are inspired by our real life events that changed our lives and continue to drive us to want to help as many others experience the power of music. Who we are is what enables us to work more closely with our artists, bands and sponsors while we connect with our audiences and our cause in ways that other events, promoters and for profit agencies simply cannot.

2. Online and On Demand deliveries enable us to reach audiences around the world and those isolated by the impacts of Autism at the same time. Many of these individuals otherwise would never get to experience a live music event. It also gives us the opportunity to create intimate events in great locations to further enhance the over-all experience for both onsite and online audiences. It's an opportunity for the bands to make a difference and reach audiences while they do it too. We continue to enhance our video packages and awareness components and combine them with reach of the Internet to educate the largest numbers and connect them with our cause. We are talking about a plethora of untapped interactive opportunities for those isolated by autism... what we are doing is probably just the tip of the iceberg when you consider the influence of online communities like facebook and twitter. What's better than opening the doors of a place someone thought they would never get to go and helping them experience some things they never before thought they would.

3. The Concert4Autism events giveback to local, regional and other charitable organizations that provide direct and immediate assistance to those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our approach is certainly different. We believe everyone counts. No one is right, No one is wrong, each of us is an individual with different needs. We celebrate individuality. Significant progress has been made in fundraising for research, yet very little is being done to help those struggling to live with ASDs. As the parents of a child on the Spectrum we have first hand experience with the desperate need for increasing awareness, resources and accessibility to create the most positive outcomes for people with Autism. That's what we will change with your help.

Q: What challenges do the concert events face moving forward?
A: There are always challenges, good thing we have a lot of experience improvising, adapting and overcoming all kinds of them. Weather, Band Schedules, Venues, Travel, Gear…almost anything can become a challenge. All you can do is prepare as best you can. The key is cooperation…getting everyone onboard to get behind the cause. It sounds simple enough, but in reality there are always those who are more interested in making a profit off of charity events than being charitable. We do our best to work with those businesses and individuals whose hearts are in the right place to ensure the maximum benefit to our charitable partners and cause.

Q: Do you have a preference to one style of music or destination?
A: Not really. Every show is different. It comes down to who wants to get involved and putting the logistics together to make a concert happen. If it’s a country band, rapper, rock bands, classical ensembles or other type of performer really is about their willingness to participate in an individual event. Exploring different types of events including online and on demand creates a variety of opportunities for the artists to contribute to our cause its efforts on terms more accommodating to their schedules, management, etc. The internet really gives us a wealth of opportunities to reach music fans and isolated populations while we give bands and performers of all types and sizes the ability to contribute in ways they find comfortable and appropriate. It’s really a win…win situation for those looking to make a difference in the lives of children and families living with Autism.

Q: Is it true that your seven year-old son with Autism has some influence over the music selections?
A: Yes it is. As you know it was music in the car that started it all on a ride home from The Children’s Hospital in Denver. Since then we have exposed little buddy to all kinds of music. He is not shy about telling you what he likes. He’s honesty is pure. No political correctness at all… we love it. If he likes a song he’ll tell you and put it on repeat. And if he doesn’t like it he’ll tell you that and ask you to change it. I’ll never forget the look on his face when saw The Freddy Jones Band…he still bangs on the trash cans over a year later saying “I’m want to be a drummer like Simon”. Music is certainly magical and can be nothing short of a miracle.

Q: What bands and kinds of music does he like?
A: He has quite a diverse taste…but really likes rock n roll the best. Sometimes it can be a song in a movie or tv show that he connects with too. So we have really become much more in tune with all the music around us. He really enjoys a lot of rock bands including Jupiter Coyote, Freddy Jones Band, Big Head Todd, Nickelback, Bon Jovi, Bad Company and the Scorpions among others. He does like a variety of country artists including John Rich, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Leanne Rimes and others. It really is cool when he enjoys some of the same music and artists that we do as parents. It gives us something to share in common which can be difficult for those with ASDs.

Q: What’s next for the Concert 4 Autism?
A: We look forward to coming events and further integrating online deliveries to reach the largest and most diverse audiences. At the same time we are excited about bringing some great live music experiences to our audiences from intimate venues, while elevating Autism Awareness and raising funds to make a real difference doing it. We are already exploring new artists, sponsors, locations, charities and venues. One of the greatest things is the dedicated and compassionate people we meet along the way. The one thing that will never change is our desire to continue connecting people and professionals with information and one another empowering them through the power of music.

Ten Commandments for Parents of Kids with Autism & Special Needs

These commandments have been floating around the internet in one form or another in various places for a while now, but we felt they spoke to the essence of what parents of children on the spectrum need be reminded from time to time. All of us deal with hope and heartbreak, recovery and regression and lose sight of these valuable principles as a result of things sometimes. Some parents print them out and post them as a reminder to themselves as to what is really important. Others bookmark them and revisit them when they need the comfort of their ideals. To each his own. Feel free to share them, save them, link to them, or encourage others to remember what is truly important in our lives one day at a time…all our children deserve nothing less.

1. Take one day at a time, and take that day positively. You don't have control over the future, but you do have control over today.

2. Never underestimate your child's potential. Allow them, encourage them, expect them to develop to the best of his abilities.

3. Find and allow positive mentors: parents and professionals who can share with you their experience, advice, and support.

4. Provide and be involved with the most appropriate educational and learning environments for your child from infancy on.

5. Keep in mind the feelings and needs of your spouse and your other children. Remind them that this child does not get more of your love just because he gets more of your time.

6. Answer only to your conscience: then you'll be able to answer to your child.
You need not justify your actions to your friends or the public.

7. Be honest with your feelings. You can't be a super-parent 24 hours a day. Allow yourself jealousy, anger, pity, frustration, and depression in small amounts whenever necessary.

8. Be kind to yourself. Don't focus continually on what needs to be done. Remember to look at what you have accomplished.

9. Stop and smell the roses. Take advantage of the fact that you have gained a special appreciation for the little miracles in life that others take for granted.

10. Keep and use a sense of humor. Cracking up with laughter can keep you from cracking up from stress.

Autism is the fastest growing disability on the planet according to the Centers for Disease Control. More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with pediatric cancers, AIDS and Diabetes combined. This means more parents and families will be looking for the same encouragement, assistance and answers that we are. Embrace them, Share with them, Support them in anyway and everyway as we ourselves would want to be treated. Regardless if you’re loved one with Autism is 18 months old or 81 years young we are all on the spectrum and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Gandhi said: “The truest reflection of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable citizens”. By treating others in our cause they way we ourselves want to be treated we set forth an example to inspire the willing and compassionate members of society. Compassion begins with Awareness, but must inspire Action if we are ultimately to make a difference for those living with Autism Spectrum Disorders today.

What is Autism Awareness Month?

I know you’ve heard about it. Right? Autism? April? Of course you have. Beyond the obvious April and Autism connections what do you really know about Autism? Chances are if you don’t live with Autism or know someone who does than you probably don’t know what Autism really is. Statistics can show prevalence and create a sense of urgency about Autism and other causes, but statistics don’t describe what Autism is and how it impacts people. Knowing about celebrities who have a child with Autism, or who have a charity for Autism still does not answer the question what is Autism? So this year during Autism Awareness Month we decided to try a different approach to educate the world about some of the facets of Autism so they better understand us and our cause.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder of development lasting throughout a person's lifetime. Autism typically appears during the first three years of development impairing the normal social, communication and emotional functions of the brain. Individuals with Autism also experience physical symptoms including gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, sleep disorders, sensory integration disorders and more. Because individuals with autism exhibit different physical symptoms combined with neurological symptoms or behaviors, ranging from mild to severe, autism is a "spectrum" disorder, or a group of disorders with a range of similar features.

This means that on the Autism Spectrum you may have 20 individuals all with the same diagnosis, yet all 20 will have different physical and neurological symptoms, each requiring individually tailored interventions and treatment plans. The increasing prevalence of Autism combined with the lack of accessibility to qualified expertise for a growing number of children and families living on the spectrum have resulted in higher costs and waiting lists for vital assistance. The mounting shortage of services and supports is exacerbated by the lack of understanding about Autism by researchers and professionals.

A new case of Autism is diagnosed every 15 seconds worldwide, making Autism the fastest growing disability on the planet. Autism respects no natural boundaries, national borders or state lines, and it afflicts children regardless of race, religion, economics or geographical location. More children will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder this year than with pediatric cancers, AIDS and Diabetes combined. Still, Autism receives less than 5% of the funding of other many less prevalent and curable early childhood diseases.

Many of the Answers we want and need about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) continue to elude science. Right now there is no medical detection, approved medications and there is no cure for Autism. Continued Research combined with the advancement of professional expertise are the keys to successes today. Access to qualified early intervention, healthcare, education and community services must keep pace with the growing needs of families living on the Autism Spectrum. Supporting community-based Autism programs and resources maximizes positive outcomes for your neighbors.

Autism Awareness Month is more than a Word, Month, Statistic or Blue Lights and TV Commercials…it’s about elevating awareness about what Autism is, and equally as important is educating people about what they can do to help make a difference. This tireless process and the search for answers began long ago and will continue to unfold one day at a time far beyond April of 2010. You may not see us…you may not hear us…but we are out there and we need your help. Don’t give up on us. Don’t forget about us when the blue lights go out or when you turn the page of the calendar.