When Cole was about 14 months old, we started to notice that his baby babble had a distinctly musical element. Suddenly, Charles and I looked at each other and said, he's humming Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star! This was remarkable to us, especially since this young boy was showing no inclination to say anything. He continued to hum Twinkle, Twinkle and then started to branch out to other songs. As his musical repertoire continued to grow, he finally began to pick up a little language around two. He continues to gain speech, little by little, but music is still his first language. He is always humming or singing a song, and not just children's songs either. He knows many, many classical songs (thanks Baby Einstein and Little Einsteins) and many Hymns. He just really loves music.
Recently, just as he started to pick up on humming songs at 14 months, he is branching out into another avenue, playing the piano. Occasionally, he goes over to piano, fiddles around with it for awhile and then starts to pick out a song. So far, he has played Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (of course), Row, row, row your boat, Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater, and Ode to Joy. He won't do this on demand, we just have to catch him at it, and he still only does it occasionally, but when we can catch him at it, it is so fun to watch. I'm hoping that he will start doing more of this and we can help him to develop his talent. Meanwhile, it is always an enchanting surprise when he shows us just how talented he is.
3 comments:
WOW! This is incredible, Jess! WOW WOW WOW!!! I think it's so facinating because you are inside his brain for a brief moment. .. for just a minute, you both are hearing the same thing, touching the same keys and feeling the same spirit of music. ..it's your connection to your baby boy who sometimes may be difficult to connect with fully because of the autism. . .Cole is apparently talented beyond compare! Wow.
Cole is a river and we only see the top current that's moving...there is so much that's deeper and still and holds so much more mystery and depth...You must be thrilled at those moments...It's fascinating that you've discerned that musical pattern, but then, why not?...look at his Dad? ...why wouldn't that talent be there?...it's all so fascinating...good for you Jess!
Dear Jessica & Charles,
It is wonderful to hear about Cole. I just love him so much, and love hearing about him and Juliet. It is delightful to hear how he is playing the piano by ear. It is something I tried many times since I was a child and cannot do at all, even "Mary Had a Little Lamb."
Thank you again for sharing.
Love,
Gpa Al
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