Musical Expression and Autistic Disorder

Autism is a disability to all and a problem for most. George Ewing is what you would call an autistic artist. His love for music shows in his performances. Without the same social skills as his peers as well as other 12 year olds, his way of expressing himself through music is amazing.

Expression is not unusual amongst children with autism spectrum disorder. On September 18^th was his time to shine. He was invited to play at the state capital in Harrisburg where he brought hundreds of visitors as well as state lawmakers and leaders. His performance was held in the east wing where he appeared with two violin solos during the opening of the Prism Gallery.

While practicing three hours a day during the summer he prepares for his performances. His open is "The impossible dream" and ends with "I had the time of my life." The Prism Gallery is a traveling wall of awareness that features artwork of autistic individuals ranging in age 3 to 47 years old.

With exhibits illustrating the common threads of creative expressions that exists in those diagnosed with autism. Most autistic individuals are unable to express themselves as well as their feelings verbally, but through art and music they can. Even though classmates of George know that he has Asperberger's syndrome, the exhibit generated a lot more awareness, not to mention discussion, among his peers as well as many attending adults.

George is a seventh grader at Washington middle school and performs with the school orchestra. He has also been studying the violin for the past five years, while taking private lessons. George also played for a small reception prior to the school board meeting on Friday November 1, 2007.

Not only did he do an amazing job playing the violin for those that attended Prism Gallery, he also had an exhibit of an art drawing which was an 18-inch by 22-inch crayon drawing of "An Armadillo's Life" as well as a 22-inch by 28-inch tempera painting of "A New Life to Discover." He also recently recorded a radio commercial for the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School.

It was an incredible experience and I'm so glad I had the time, want and ability to attend. I was so excited to meet him that I didn't notice that he was not even surprised by the amounts of people applauding let alone attending his performance. He received a standing ovation from everybody there. He was also introduced as a special guest.

I don't know what goes on in an autistic persons mind but no matter how severe the disability is, everyone has something to contribute. Never give up hope that one day we will have the ability to conquer all disabilities as well as many illnesses. So do your part and help keep hope alive for those that can't find the ability to do so their selves. Thanks for reading.