Autism Awareness Through Music

Kate Huggins is a mother of five and a passionate advocate for people with special needs, residing in Scituate, Massachusetts. Growing up as the ninth of ten children, Kate was deeply influenced by her late brother, Mike, who was born with cerebral palsy and faced significant challenges, including being unable to walk, talk, or hear. Helping care for Mike during her childhood sparked a lifelong desire to assist individuals with special needs, leading her to volunteer at the DATAHR rehabilitation institute during high school. There, she worked with people who had chronic developmental and neurological disabilities, an experience that opened her heart and mind to the community of individuals with disabilities.<br><br>In addition to her work in the special needs community, Kate has a rich background in the restaurant industry. Coming from a family that has owned and operated restaurants, Kate has worked in nearly every aspect of the field, from front-of-house to management. Her career expanded after earning a degree in marketing and communications from Emerson College, where she built a diverse portfolio in sales, marketing, event planning, media buying, and advertising. Following the birth of her children, Kate took a step back from her career to focus on raising her five kids, but she later returned to work as an event planner in Scituate. Kate also started an at-home bespoke bakery called Kate's Creations.<br><br>During this pivotal time, Kate's journey took a significant turn when she discovered the thriving music community on the South Shore of Massachusetts. It was there that she met her boyfriend, Scott, whose son Hayden is on the autism spectrum. Inspired by Hayden and motivated by Scott's vision, Kate became deeply involved in autism advocacy and the creation of Autism Rocks, a benefit concert that aims to support nonprofit organizations for the autism community. The mission of Autism Rocks is to use music as a bridge, promoting inclusivity and bringing awareness to the needs of individuals with autism, all while fostering a sense of community support and connection.

First and foremost, Co-Founder Scott Kaufman is an Autism Dad to his teenage son Hayden. Scott understands firsthand how difficult life can be for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including children, adults, their siblings, and caregivers. From diagnosis to daily life and challenging transitions, Scott is deeply involved in autism advocacy for Hayden. He recognizes the potential in all individuals facing developmental challenges, whether it's through stimming, self-regulation, or special education. As an active member of his community and a fierce advocate for child and adult services, Scott sees the spectrum as a range of objects, ideas, and opinions that lead to infinite potential, uniqueness, and ultimately acceptance. He recognizes these possibilities in Hayden and all individuals diagnosed with ASD, which is now the fastest-growing developmental disability in the US, affecting 1 in 36 people. ASD knows no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic barriers; it transcends borders. Additionally, Scott, an active musician and executive producer, understands how music can amplify the creative and artistic abilities within all of us. From a young age, Hayden was drawn to music. During his early stages of Early Intervention (EI), his late mother Erica noticed a significant shift in his learning patterns and interests. Hayden had an innate ear for sound and pitch, as well as a talent for learning through computer-assisted technology. They explored various music therapy classes at home, demonstrating how community support can enhance the skills of individuals with ASD. Scott believes it is crucial to help all people with ASD discover their gifts and dreams, encouraging them to shine like rock stars in their own right.

Dylan O'Neil is a passionate musician, dedicated teacher, and proud advocate for individuals with disabilities in the South Shore, Massachusetts community. His journey is shaped by family, music, and a deep commitment to autism advocacy, creating inclusive spaces where everyone's voice can be heard.

From an early age, Dylan's bond with his younger brother, Sean, shaped much of his perspective. Sean's diagnosis of Autism - initially referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) - brought both challenges and lessons. As a young boy, Dylan grappled with the idea of what a 'typical' sibling relationship should look like. In time, he came to realize that 'typical' is just a word - their bond was uniquely theirs. Dylan naturally stepped into the role of protector, friend, and voice for Sean, always standing up for him while ensuring the household stayed lively with his fair share of pranks. Their relationship taught him compassion, patience, and a profound understanding of the importance of advocacy.

As he grew older, music became Dylan's outlet and identity. The guitar opened a new world of expression, giving him a sense of purpose and creativity. Eventually, his two passions intertwined. He recognized the power of music not just as an art form but as a bridge - a way to connect with Sean and others with disabilities. In 2020, Dylan earned his Master's in Education for Moderate Disabilities, further solidifying his mission. Today, he works as a substantially separate teacher, channeling his energy into creating meaningful learning experiences tailored to his students' unique needs. Each day, he strives to build a classroom environment where every achievement is celebrated and every individual is valued.

One of his proudest accomplishments is Autism Rocks - a heartfelt benefit concert that embodies his lifelong dream of blending music and advocacy. It's more than just an event: it's a movement towards inclusivity and awareness. For Dylan, music isn't just about sound - it's about connection, understanding, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, fostering community support for all.