Magical Music: Priceless

Jackson had a music program tonight at school.

Churubusco elementary has a stellar music teacher who really goes above and beyond with programs. She also has a 4th & 5th grade choir and chimers group. She does a 5th grade lip-sync program that is truly entertaining. ;)

Back to the program. Here's a little history. In first grade, Jack couldn't really even rehearse with his class. By second grade, he could participate, but wasn't ready for an evening performance. Last year, I went to the dress rehearsal and video taped. He did ok, but I didn't think he was ready for all the stimulus of an evening performance. [He really doesn't like going back to school in the evening after school.]

This year, I thought, maybe just maybe he's ready for the night show. It seemed like the "stars were aligned" in his favor. The program was KDYZ radio; music through the decades. They sang songs like the Beatles Yellow Submarine and Footloose. All the kids wore matching t-shirts customized in art class...this all worked in his favor, as he loves pop music and he really associates with 'same shirts' from sports.

I called and talked to the music teacher at length about Jackson participating. We put into place a plan we were all comfortable with. [When it comes to things like this, I'm all about having Jack participate, but I want to set him up for success and provide him with a safety net to fall into if needed]. His aide was available to redirect him if needed and he was surrounded by kids that would help keep him on track.

Well, I went to the dress rehearsal today. He did an incredible job. He was a beat behind on some of the songs and some of his motions were off, but all in all, he did well. So well, I cried. Here is one of the photos:




I couldn't go to the performance (which was probably just as well) I had a program planned at work. So Dan took him back to school. After several conversations about just going back "to the gym to sing and dance with your friends". I think he finally understood this concept when he stated, "leave your bookbag at home". We also used an ultimate bribe and offered up TMX Elmo (he's been coveting it a week or so).. He actually wanted his dad to be there.


The whole thing went like clockwork. He went in and did some TEACHH activities his teacher prepared ahead of time for him. As soon as the music he sings started, he was ready to join his peers. He fell into place and sang, danced, sat and listened for the next 30 minutes of the program with minimal prompting and redirecting from his aide (who sat with the teachers on the side of the gym except for the few times she needed to be there for him). The boys around him supported and encouraged him to stay 'with' them.

Can you tell he's having a good time? We truly think he enjoyed himself and managed to hold it together in the midst of all the stimulus

I get goosebumps just thinking about this. Autism has taken soooo much from our family. Tonight, we got a piece of that back. Tonight, Jackson was shining. So many people noticed it. It fills my heart. What an amazing community we live in. What a fabulous school we have.