How Past Mozart & the Mind Attendees Felt.
I just want to say how amazing the Mind Expo was this past weekend. Every parent and educator I spoke with was blown away by the positive feelings that were happening instead of the gloom and doom approach. We were all invigorated by everything that was done. None of us have ever been to anything quite like this. All the presenters were outstanding and the music was over the top. It was a wonderful experience.
— Susan Rancer, Music Therapist and Author
The event you gave life to was spectacular and, like any art, you can only imagine the impact on those who gathered to participate… I have been working solely with those on the autism spectrum for the past 20 years… I will be retiring next June and I am comforted that, “A good change gonna come”.
— Vivian Hazell, Lead Therapist and Program Director at Beyond Boundaries of Autism
Thank you so much for such an uplifting, inspirational two days! This truly was a much-needed celebration of what those on the spectrum can do! This event has helped me, a mom of a child with autism, to not get weighed down with what my son can’t do but to focus on his strengths - to let his genius (I like to call them “his super-powers”) really shine.”
— Danielle Rowley, Parent
“…I did want to say THANK YOU to you and to all of the participants. I feel so inspired and motivated to keep this change coming.”
— Christine “Kiki” Haddad Zaynoun, MPS ATR-BC/Board Certified Art Therapist
“This is the very first, and I mean the first time my child has been recognized solely for his talents not his awkwardness and inability to verbalize, it means so much.”
— Mother in Attendance
“To say that you made my dreams come true would be a huge understatement… Your work has brought our community so much energy and light.”
— Psychiatrist and Mother of an Autistic Son
“This day has changed my life. When I heard you speak I could see my boy in your words, and I became less frustrated with him and now I understand what he needs and what I can do as his father.”
— Father in Attendance
“The Mozart & the Mind Symposium I attended in San Diego this weekend was absolutely the most joyful and wonderful autism event I have ever attended. Every single presenter, featured artist, and fellow attendees I spoke with were aware of the intelligence, wisdom and incredible gifts that they themselves, or their children and students possess. It was a magical experience.
Autism was presented and discussed from the lens of celebration, visionary genius, art, strength, and love. The challenges were powerfully acknowledged as well.
Almost every autism workshop I have ever attended is presented from a lens of deficit. That perspective is beyond out-dated and hurts the children and their parents immensely. One of the main reasons I have broken free from the out-dated system is to offer a perspective and approach that restores dignity and honors the children.
..By Sunday evening, I felt my already existing hope, joy, and love for the autistic community expand even further! I felt like we were in a collective rocket ship blasting off into exciting spaces and places of wonderful new beginnings, realities and paradigms for all.”
— Marisa Leon, Speech Therapist/Founder of Autism Heals