Dad creates music album for his autistic son

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.

Mark and his wife sought advice about their son’s speech and soon after they realized that Blake presented more of the classic traits of autism, including the spinning, repetitive hand motions, arranging items in order, and avoiding eye contact. Blake’s final diagnosis, when he was 3 years old, was that he showed severe symptoms of ASD.
Blake’s parents quickly realised that without government assistance they would need to be creative to afford early intervention and ongoing therapy for their son. That was when Mark, who had worked in the video game industry for years, found a solution. He started a fundraising project and began approaching various artists from the USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand, and Australia asking if they’d be willing to contribute their own songs to help raise funds for Blake to support his ongoing early intervention programme. This includes ongoing intensive therapy such as speech, occupational and behaviour therapy, that will help Blake develop skills that are so important in life, in particular his communication and socialisation skills.

“With what started as just an idea has turned into one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve ever created. I’m simply over the moon at the bands we’ve managed to get on this album. Some of the artists on the album are musical heroes of mine that I’ve enjoyed listening to since a teenager while others artists are close friends and old work colleagues that I’ve have the pleasure knowing over the years.” Mark said, “It’s quite a remarkable how it’s all come together.”

The album “Songs for Blake – Embracing Autism” comprises various genres from Alternative Rock to Acoustic Folk to Electronic and includes 24 tracks from 24 artists namely Ladyhawke, Melbourne band Sons of Rico, Greenthief, and Blind Melon singer Travis Warren. About half the tracks were either written especially for the album, or were new releases.
A small percentage of the proceeds will also be donated annually to a number of handpicked Autism support groups worldwide.

Adapted from: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/chadstone-dad-creates-music-to-...

More info: https://songsforblake.bandcamp.com/