Autism Speaks, Community, In Their Own Words, Ben Meets his “Guitar Hero”

In Their Own Words: Ben Meets his “Guitar Hero”

By Cindy Ninesling

Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.

My son Ben, who has PDD, learned to play the guitar upon discovering the music of Willie Nelson. By repeatedly listening to the chords of Willie's songs on his earphones, and with the help of an awesome guitar teacher, Steve Wilson of Spring, Texas, Ben has learned to play the guitar. He now entertains at nursing homes, churches and special needs programs in the Houston metro area.

While purchasing tickets for our eighth Willie Nelson concert, I entered into a conversation with an employee of the venue where the concert was being held and she suggested that I use the Internet to find a contact for Willie. I was able to locate Willie's daughter, Lana Nelson's e-mail address. Lana returned my email within three days and arranged for Ben to be backstage with Willie for two nights during a weekend concert in Austin, Texas.

Willie Nelson is a compassionate celebrity who has performed for Special Olympics, the Brookwood Community, Marbridge and other special needs organizations. I will be forever grateful that he fulfilled a dream for my son.

Ben singing with a young boy with autism, who also wants to learn to sing.

Ben with a friend from church preparing for the hay ride