I Heard the Light: Autism & Music, Mother & Son's Story | Bozena Gasior | TEDxSt Petersburg College

Imagine the journey from receiving a devastating diagnosis to witnessing your child perform piano masterpieces at 21, despite challenges in communication and independence. Milosz's music has been his voice and a source of inclusion, highlighting his incredible achievements. My message is simple: never give up, seek help boldly, and be the chance someone needs. Bozena Gasior is an adjunct professor of German and English as a Second Language (ESL) at the University of Tampa and Saint Petersburg College in Florida. She is deeply committed to advocating for the special needs community. Bozena served as a parent co-chair of the Pinellas County Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Advisory Committee for many years and is a champion for supporting the disabled in fulfilling their potential to participate actively in their communities. Bozena’s book, "I Heard the Light: A Mother's Story of Her Son's Journey Through Autism to Self-Expression," shares her young son's own journey to self-expression through music – eventually becoming a prodigious classical and jazz pianist. While dedicated to her son’s inspiring story of adapting to his autism, her book offers hope and encouragement to caregivers of all those with special needs. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx