Katy Perry sings with 11 year old Autistic Girl

Katy Perry and 11 year old Jodi DiPiazza sang a duet together on October 18th as part of an autism awareness event. Perry is one of DiPiazza’s favorite artists and had the privilege of singing “Firework” on stage with the beloved star. DiPiazza was on the piano and sang with Perry on the side. The two shared an emotional hug after the song was over.

The next day, Perry tweeted, “I will never forget last night. It was the most important moment thus far of what I do.”

Singing on stage was a huge accomplishment for DiPiazza. DiPiazza says, “At 3, I struggledwith speaking but I could sing… and I did constantly. Again, it became apparent that I had perfect pitch. I was fortunate to be admitted to the best school for autism in the entire world …. I still struggle every day with all the deficits and difficulties that autism brings. It’s a full time job. I love making music and I hope that my music makes you feel as happy as music makes me.”

Her father commented and shared “We are extremely lucky to have gotten into a program where my child was able to access exactly what she needed,” the progress DiPiazza has made is incredible.

A video of the performance is shared below. Enjoy!!

Katy Perry singing with 11 year old autistic girl, Jodi DiPiazza

 

A must read: “Look me in the eye”

“As sweet and funny and sad and true and heartfelt a memoir as one could find.”—from the foreword by Augusten Burroughs

Look me in the eye” by John Elder Robison is a must read for anyone wishing to have a better understanding of people with Aspergers.

John Elder, a natural storyteller, remarkably shares a personal and detailed narrative of his life and his battles of feeling accepted by family, friends, and teachers who did not understand how his brain worked. He was not diagnosed until the age of 40 and was simply labeled as a “social deviant” growing up.

From overcoming his painful childhood, he persisted to become a successful business man repairing high-end cars. In his humorous, yet at times sad acount, John Elder creativly takes readers into the mind of an Asperger’s boy. This book will open up the minds and eyes of readers who may lack understanding or grace for people with Aspergers. This is a great summer read and is highly recommended.

 A note from the author: “When I wrote “Look Me in the Eye”, I wanted to show readers what it was like to grow up feeling like a freak or a misfit. I thought my book would show how people with Asperger’s are different from everyone else. To my great surprise, my book actually shows the opposite: Deep down, people are very much the same”.

 I agree with the author and would encourage all to buy and read this book! 🙂

Carly’s New Book: Released Tomorrow March 27th

Carly, a girl with severe Autism, co-authored a book with her father Arthur Fleischmann.  With the help of a computer, Carly is now able to communicate her feelings to the outside world. By using a single finger, Carly has been able to reveal her witty ‘teen-age self’ and has grown to be a role-model and hero to many you now know her. After many months of waiting, the world is waiting to hear the inner thoughts and emotions of Carly. Order your book tomorrow, ASAP!

Teen with Autism tells her story in her new book (please click on link to watch)

 

 

A fisherman’s tale about life without education

 James Arruda Henry, a fisherman for most of his life, never learned to read or write. He decided he wanted to learn how to read at the age of 90. After many hours of tutoring and practice, he was encouraged to write a book about his life at the age of 96. This is an inspiring story of this man’s life.

Check out his new book “In a Fisherman’s Language” and watch the video below to hear this encouraging story.

From Pain to Promise: Nick Vujicic

Imagine living a life with no arms or no legs. Imagine living in a world where everyone could see your differences, your ‘abnormality’, your ‘weakness’…

Would you still have hope? Would you still believe in yourself?

Nick Vujicic does.

Nick Vujicic was born in 1982 with a rare disorder called Tetra-ameilia syndrome. Without any medical explanation or warning, Vujicic (pronounced Voy-a-chich) was born limbless. Having no arms or legs, he could not live life the way other ‘normal’ children could. He eventually became so lonely and depressed that he tried to take his own life when he was 10. He often wondered if his life had a purpose, and why God would create him with no arms ands legs.

With the help and support of his parents, Vujicic began to embrace his disability and adapt to his situation. He began to do the ‘impossible, and found ways to accomplish the daily tasks of life, which usually required the use of limbs such as: writing, typing (by using the “heel and toe” method, brushing teeth, answering the phone, shaving, and throwing a tennis ball.

Now 27, Nick is known as a motivational speaker, a pastor, and an author. Nick believes that there is a distinct purpose of each struggle we encounter, and that our attitude toward those struggles is a salient tool in overcoming them. He be

lieves in dreaming big, and using personal difficulties for good. He now travels the world to encourage others with his story of finding hope and joy through the struggle of his physical disability.

He is the founder of a non-profit organization called Life without Limbs, and has his own motivational speaking company called Attitude is Altitude. He published a book in October 2010 called Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life and has talked to many people (and even leaders) around the world. He recently got married (which was a life-long dream of his) to Kenae Miyahara on February 12, 2012.

He is truly an inspiration to me, and I encourage you to read his book and watch his talks on YouTube.

Stephen Wiltshire: The Human Camera

Stephen Wiltshire, diagnosed at age three with severe autism, is known for his remarkable ability to draw something he has only seen once with precise detail and accuracy.

Scientists have been unable to explain this phenomena and why some people have these unique genius-like talents.

Until the age of 5, Wiltshire was mute. He began to communicate through pictures and was encouraged by his teachers to continue drawing.  He later went for formal instruction in the subject matter as his interest grew.

He has now drawn many large cities from memory and has sketched legendary skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Watch the video below to see a glimpse of Wiltshire’s incredible talent.

Stephen Wiltshire: The Human Camera (Click on link)