[amd250]

Hello this is my first time here. Can you all give me an honest assessment of my son singing. He is 6yrs old with high functioning autism and loves to sing in front of people. We are just looking to give him opportunities to sing. We are not trying to push him into anything. If he ever tells us he wants to stop, that is fine. We are thinking of getting him voice lessons, or if anyone else has any other ideas on how we can help him please let me know. Here is a sample of his singing at a talent show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-sii7rZxss


Thanks

[pish123c]

Regardless of his talent, I think any creative outlet is great for him.
My little cousin has Autism and we try to give him as many creative outlets as possible (He has a little drum set, he likes to finger paint, he sings, etc.)

I wouldn't put him in any community theatre shows or anything, but maybe if you put him in some little voice classes, have him show you what he learned, it might be good for him.

[amd250]

Did you get a chance to see the video?

[pish123c]

Yes, I did.
I think it would be unfair for me to "judge" your sons singing ability or whatever, he is just a little kid. He's at the singing level I'd expect any kid his age to be at.

Like I said, maybe wait a few years to have him audition for things. If he got rejected, who knows what his response would be. So for now, I think taking him to voice lessons would be the best step. It could boost his confidence, he could show you what he learned, then maybe he could auditon for things at his school. I don't really see a downside.

[Bianca.]

Alot of times youth theatres will not have 'formal' auditions with cuts, so that may be a good step to get used to performing, and the possibility of not always getting what you want, without the risk of total rejection and hurt feelings.

I didn't get a chance to watch the video, but I know that performance is a GREAT outlet for all kids, and I highly recommend looking into youth theatres. Many of the children I've worked with have had disabilities, and our entire staff works so well to make everyone feel at home. It's a great way for your son to both make friends and advance social skills, and to develop his creative talents.

[Webster]

He's 6 with autism? I think he's pretty damn good! I'd say some voice lessons are in order. Nothing to intense of course. Don't go looking to throw out crazy money but some singing lessons would be great if he wanted to.

[star2ballie]

My friend Gabriel has autism, and he started out just singing casually as a child, and the greatest thing for him was that my school district has an awesome vocal music program. He started choir in 6th grade, and singing was amazing for him. By his senior year, he made the top chamber group (auditioned), and went to regional solo festival, where he ranked highly.

I commend you for encouraging your son to sing. Music, as I'm sure you know, can break through any and all boundaries. I also commend you for being a parent in general, but especially the parent of a child with autism. As I've said, Gabriel was a great friend of mine, and without music we would have never crossed paths.

Tell your son wonderful job, and encourage him to sing in any capacity he so chooses.

[Lepitot]

that was really good! Your son is adorable!

I agree with the others...get him some voice lessons. He'll be great. My cousin has autism, and he is far more obvious than your son. I never would have known if you hadn't said so.

That video really made my night...er, morning, as it were.

[Francois]

My God, I've heard of Stage Moms, but really...