June of 2003 a mother and father waited eagerly to meet their first born son who was already named Jack.  From the moment he entered the world, he was a beautiful, alert, and loving little boy. There was something special about him—something bright, gentle, and full of promise. He had a smile that made his eyes turn into half moons and cheeks that could burst if possible. He was the definition of pure joy.. As he developed in his first year we recognized developmental benchmarks that were not being reached. I used to take him to executive union meetings and he was so quiet that everyone would comment, “what a good boy.” 
 
When Jack was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with autism. From that moment forward, it was clearly understood that his life might come with challenges that other children did not have to face. As a teacher, it was clear that he had  to be exposed to as many experiences as possible to minimize the typical behaviors shown in an autistic child.  I wanted him to develop new skills, overcome sensory difficulties, face his fear of the unknown, and discover everything that he was capable of becoming. We never wanted autism to define Jack or limit his opportunities.
 
Throughout his early childhood, he traveled to Walt Disney World once(sometimes twice a year. Disney was the one place that brought joy to Jack. Bear and The Big Blue House was his absolute favorite character and show to see. . Since he loved Disney so much I felt that this would be the perfect place to have him experience and learn to cope with all of the sensory issues autism brings but in a friendly environment for him.  Disney is also  filled with many of the things that could be difficult for Jack—loud sounds, flashing lights, large crowds, unfamiliar surroundings, waiting in lines, and being physically close to other people. For nearly three years, our Disney vacations were mostly walking tours. Jack would explore the parks, watch the rides, listen to the sounds, and slowly become familiar with everything around him. I made a point of never forcing him and I gave him the time, patience, and encouragement he needed to feel safe. Then one day, something remarkable happened…… Jack approached the Tomorrowland Speedway(which we’ve attempted many times with no luck), he walked up to the handicap entrance, like he has done so many times prior, and I was expecting the same behavior(running away from the ride) however this time  he climbed into one of the cars, and decided that he was ready to experience his first ride. That moment changed everything. Each year after that, Jack challenged himself to try at least one new ride. Eventually, he rode nearly every attraction in the park, with the exception of Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.
What once caused him fear became a source of excitement, confidence, and joy.Disney was only one part of Jack’s journey.

The biggest challenge that I decided to try him with was taking him and the boys on a Disney Cruise, thinking that we are on a ship in the water with thousands of people, however, he once again proved me wrong. The smile that just never ended from the moment he boarded to the moment we disembarked.  He was old enough to be a part of the Vibe Teen group and spend a portion of each day hanging out playing video games, singing karaoke and making cool videos.  At the age of 13 he didn’t want to leave his new friends on the ship. 
 
During his younger years, our family also spent more than five years camping in Wildwood, New Jersey. Jack loved exploring the boardwalk, visiting the water parks, traveling, and experiencing new places. He embraced every opportunity he could and created wonderful memories along the way. I would walk with him and his brothers for hours up and down the mile boardwalk until 1am sometimes in complete exhaustion however, he never complained and loved everything about it.  Jack was also involved in the Boyscouts,  karate- earning his purple belt, bowling lessons, little league soccer and baseball. 
 
Music also became an important part of Jack’s life. In fourth grade, Jack began playing the baritone. Every night, he would practice while I played the piano beside him. We worked together to help him learn the music and build his confidence. Jack became a very good musician and continued playing the baritone through seventh grade. At that point, Jack transitioned into chorus because of the beautiful, accurate pitch of his voice. Music gave him another way to express himself and connect with others.
 
Throughout high school, Jack performed in chorus and participated in musical theater through unified productions. He also became involved in unified sports, including basketball and bowling for the remainder of his high school time.  Jack continually demonstrated that he was willing to try new things, work as part of a team, and step outside his comfort zone. 

After transitioning out of  high school, Jack began singing even more. He and I sang together all the time.  Eventually, we started attending karaoke events, where Jack found the courage to sing in public.  The boy who had once struggled with loud noises, crowds, and unfamiliar environments was now standing in front of a crowd of people with a microphone in his hand.  Jack later joined the School of Rock, where he has performed onstage for the past two years. His confidence, energy, sense of humor, and personality are greater than anyone might have imagined when he was first diagnosed. When Jack steps onto a stage, he does not allow autism or fear to hold him back. He sings with joy and shares his personality with everyone in the audience.
 
Today, Jack  helps emcee music bingo shows and sings during the performances with his father. Each show gives him another opportunity to strengthen his communication skills, connect with new people, and expand his experiences. Jack’s talents are not limited to music. He also has a YouTube channel where he hosts cooking shows and demonstrates how to prepare some of his favorite foods, including pizza, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Through these videos, Jack shares his creativity, independence, humor, and enthusiasm with others.
 
Jack is an inspiration to everyone who meets him and takes the time to know him.
 
His journey demonstrates what can happen when an autistic child is given patience, encouragement, opportunity, and unconditional love. By being exposed to new environments and experiences throughout his early years, Jack gradually learned to face his fears, manage sensory challenges, communicate with confidence(as best as he can), and recognize his own abilities. He did not become confident overnight. His growth happened one experience, one song, one ride, one performance, and one courageous step at a time.

Jack’s life and accomplishments became the inspiration for the creation of Long Island Sounds of Silence. The foundation was established around the model that helped Jack become the confident young man he is today: introducing autistic individuals to music, the performing arts, social experiences, and new opportunities in a patient, supportive, and understanding environment.

Long Island Sounds of Silence Foundation is dedicated to helping thousands of autistic individuals build confidence, face the fears that often accompany autism, and develop strategies for managing sensory challenges. Through music and the performing arts, the foundation will help individuals discover their voices, recognize their talents, make meaningful connections, and experience the joy of being accepted and celebrated.
 

• Every autistic individual deserves the opportunity to be heard.

• Every individual deserves the opportunity to shine.
   

Jack has taught me that progress does not always follow a straight path. Sometimes it begins with simply walking past a ride for three years before finding the courage to get on. Sometimes it begins with practicing an instrument beside someone who believes in you. Sometimes it begins with holding a microphone, singing the first note, and discovering that the world is ready to listen. Jack’s story is a story of persistence, patience, family, and love from both of his loving parents.  It is a reminder that when we focus on a person’s abilities rather than their limitations, extraordinary things can happen.
I proudly dedicate Long Island Sounds of Silence to my son, Jack Como, whom I love beyond words.
Jack you are my inspiration, my greatest teacher, and living proof that 
every voice matters and every individual can shine.