Autism & Karaoke: Bustin’ Stereotypes
TL;DR
Tommy tells of a family member with autism who unexpectedly walked up and commanded the stage at a karaoke bar. He uses it to bust the stereotype that autistic people shun the limelight. His point is that they take the stage on their own timeframe and in their own way.
My wife and I went to a karaoke bar this past week to share the evening with Judi, a friend who enjoys the experience on stage. Neither my wife or I join in; we are professional members of the audience.
One of our extended family members, we’ll call him Floyd, has a bit stronger autism than I do. Judi got up on the stage and belted one out. Then her oldest daughter. I was quite surprised when the gal running the karaoke called out Floyd’s name as the next singer.
Boldly, Floyd walked up to the stage, took the microphone from the stand, and absolutely commanded the attention of the entire bar.
Stereotype busted
Folks with autism don’t shun the limelight. We just like to do it on our timeframe and in our own way.
