Any doubts that music is magical? Watch this...

[Big Orange Jeff]

Watch young Ethan's performance and try not to be moved to tears. I found this video because Billy Joel posted it on his Facebook page.

While you're at it, look up Ethan's story. His family is trying to raise $100k for autism research. I made a donation with a lump in my throat.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

[kentuck]

1. That is delightful!

I love it!

[malaise]

2. Beautiful

Thanks

[Bobbie Jo]

3. Loved that!

Thank you for sharing it here.

[global1]

4. Brought A Smile To My Face And A Tear To My Eye.....

Ethan is a Billy Joel or Elton John in the making. He's really talented. That made my day. Thanks for posting.

[Big Orange Jeff]

15. Billy Joel commented that he never really felt the intro to "Piano Man" was quite right...

... and that he liked Ethan's intro better.

[peace13]

5. Very sweet! n/t

[asjr]

6. I have an autistic 4-year-old grandson and this

brought more tears. It is incredible.

[Tikki]

19. Hi asjr...these grandchildren are the lights of our lives...

Our 10 year old grandson is on the autistic spectrum and will often break out in song
seems like for no particular reason. Must be a reason for him because he smiles
and sings the songs straight through. And he has a remarkable sounding voice.

We never stop him.

These amazing young people often find what is terrific about themselves and find joy in doing so.

Hugs to your little guy.


Tikki

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. "You can do it, Dad!"

Beautiful

[Zorra]

8. That's really beautiful, thank you.

I work exclusively with people diagnosed with severe autism.

[gordianot]

12. Bless you

[FailureToCommunicate]

9. We should never underestimate the power of the human spirit.

Thank you for a moving reminder: a child, exhorting his dad - and really all of us- "you can do it!" sing along! we CAN play together!

[gordianot]

10. It reminds me of 35 years ago doing a practicum.

Parent was upset with a recent diagnosis of Moderate Retardation. I brought a toy xylophone into the speech session and noticed the first time he picked up the stick he played itsy bitsy spider. I immediately called in his mother and the supervisor. Never having seen a xylophone he could play at the age of 3 any kiddie song on request. We went down to the stage auditorium and did the same thing on the piano. The Retardation label stuck for a while but that changed. Music was a refuge for this young man and I was there the day it happened. The parent agreed to let me tell this story and still tell it even now that I am retired.

[RT Atlanta]

11. Go Ethan Go!

Brilliant!

[snacker]

13. Beautiful!!!!

[Big Orange Jeff]

14. And could the Superman t-shirt be more perfect? <nm>

nm

[Rex]

16. Amazing!

[progressoid]

17. And he likes the Beatles! "Dear Prudence"

Damn it, whose chopping onions in here?

[kentuck]

18. This kid should go on tour...

He is great !!

[Big Orange Jeff]

20. He (or his music teacher) has great taste in music <nm>

nm

[snagglepuss]

21. A wonderful child. Thanks for posting.

[LASlibinSC]

22. That truely is the best ..

kind of magic! BRAVO!! Thanks for the shot of joy!

[trof]

23. Thristan "Tum Tum" Mendoza. Autistic savant prodigy percussionist. On marimba.

Thristan, nicknamed “Tum-tum”, was accredited as a child prodigy by the University of the Philippines in 1997. He was born in Quezon City in 1989 and was diagnosed as autistic aged two and a half. Shortly after this diagnosis, he was recognized as Savant due to his note-perfect marimba performances. Despite his social nervousness, fear of bright lights and loud noises, he is currently at college, majoring in percussion. He also excels in math.

Read more and see a performance. He's #9.: http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-amazing-savants.php#ixzz1tkvJibuE