It's not just always going to be easy from the first time you do something that you really want, you have to push yourself and it's okay to be afraid. It's okay to be nervous. But if you just get up there and be...know, that you're yourself, and you're expressing yourself, you're on your way.Jennifer Msumba Jennifer: Hi guys, today I wanted to talk to a very special friend of mine. Her name is Jenny … [Read more...]
Sunny Writes: My Quarantine Playlist
During this quarantine, I have been listening to lots of music! Listening to upbeat music puts me in a better mood throughout the day. Here are 5 of my favorite songs that I recommend for your playlist! The Greatest Showman Soundtrack: My favorite song from this album is “From Now On.” It’s upbeat and has positive, feel-good lyrics.The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson: This song has a great beat that … [Read more...]
Sunny Plays: “Roar” by Katy Perry
From TMA Co-Founder Sunny:"The Musical Autist strongly believes and encourages self-advocacy through musical performance. When I think of Roar by Katy Perry I think of self-advocacy, when she says “I’ve got the eye of the tiger, fighter”, I think of an autistic person fighting for their rights." … [Read more...]
Sunny Writes: How Our Bodies Move
How many times have you heard therapists tell their clients, “Quiet hands. Quiet body.” There have been many occasions in my life where I was told to sit still, stop rocking, and stop moving my head. I realize that autistic people do not always have autonomy over their bodies. I know that it might look strange to others when we move our bodies differently in professional or work settings. People always tell … [Read more...]
Sunny Writes: The Importance of Meaningful Programs
I graduated from Maryland School for the Blind in 2007 and then I was placed in a sheltered workshop, where I stayed for eight years. In 2015, I left the sheltered workshop and was introduced to self directed services, which is a program that allows disabled individuals to choose what they do on a daily basis. When I was in the sheltered workshop, I didn’t have the opportunity to work on job skills or do things … [Read more...]
Sunny Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month
Hear Sunny Cefaratti, TMA Co-Founder, share her thoughts on Autism Acceptance Month. She writes: “Please listen what I have to say about celebrating the gifts of autistic individuals. In the video, I talk about the fact that every person on the spectrum has a gift, including those people who are non-speaking. They DO have gifts. They just need support to find them." At The Musical Autist, we’re proud to … [Read more...]