Raising a child with nonverbal learning disability (NLD) can be challenging; often times, overwhelming. Parents helplessly watch their NLD children struggle with everyday tasks like tying shoelaces and telling time. However, parenting a child with NLD can bring great joy. NLD minds are unique; they view the world with a completely different perspective than everyone else. Finding common creative interests can help you bond with your NLD child.
For my son Indigo and me, it was music. When we heard our favorite band Blue October was touring in our area, we rushed to buy tickets. Their music has become a part of our everyday lives. The lead singer, Justin Furstenfeld, suffers from bipolar disorder and coined their music genre “bipolar art rock.” Justin’s lyrics, matched with a haunting orchestra, “pours out human pain” and transports listeners into the magical, yet tormented world of the bipolar mind. Indigo, who is passionate about educating others about NLD, finds inspiration in Justin’s success.
Indigo and I were fortunate to see Blue October twice this summer. Once at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, and again at the Casino Ballroom in New Hampshire. At Lupo’s, Indigo met Matt Noveskey (bass) before the show. From a distance, I watched as Indigo and Matt chatted for about 15 minutes. We met the band after the concert and got autographs and pictures taken. I was surprised when Matt told me he was impressed with my advocacy efforts. Most fans rave about their favorite songs when given the chance to meet musicians. My son was more inspired to spread the word about our website Diagnosing Parents’ Rights.
Halfway through Blue October's New Hampshire set, Justin spoke to the crowd. He said he had never seen anything like it. He said there was a fan in the crowd who knew every word to every song. He asked Indigo his name and invited him onstage to sing with the band.
The crowd went wild.
Without hesitation, Indigo climbed over the fence and walked up on stage. Blue October began playing their song Jump Rope. After a few turns literally jumping rope, Indigo was handed a microphone. Together, he and Justin sang.
With its chorus, “Be strong, don’t you give up hope. It will get hard, life’s like a jump rope,” Jump Rope is one of Indigo's favorites. These lyrics describe the battle we've been through the last year with Indigo's special education. Indigo sang his heart out in front of 2000 people.
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Moments like these remind me of my son’s unique abilities. “I don’t understand what the big deal is,” Indigo whispered to me when a fan begged to take a picture with him. “I mean anyone can get on a stage and sing.” His matter-of-fact attittude amused me. “Indigo, public speaking, let alone singing, is the number one fear. It tops fear of death.” Indigo's eyes grew wide. “Why?” he asked.
Anxiety is common for people with NLD. Indigo has had his share of attacks. Some so great he has hurt himself and others to flee a panicked situation.
John Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye wrote the blog The Look of Autism. It made me wonder: do people with similar disabilities/disorders see a familiarity in each other? I don’t know if Justin felt a connection to Indigo before he pulled him on stage. For Indigo, it meant the world to bond with his favorite band.
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Thank you Justin, Matt, C.B. Jeremy, and Ryan. Blue October's inspiration brings promise for all who suffer. “I want to tell you that everything will be okay. That everything will eventually turn itself to gold. So keep pushing through it all. Don’t follow, lead the way. Don’t lose yourself or your hope. Cause life’s like a jump rope.”
It was great to see Indigo's self confidence soar, especially after the hardships we went through last year. When the concert was over, Indigo was approached by a plethora of fans asking for his autograph. One girl even screamed out, “Indigo! I love you!” He was a rock star that night. I am his biggest fan.
Comments
That video is awesome. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm going to share this with my single parent support group on Yahoo. Many have children with similar issues.
Teri. I am glad that you enjoyed the article. Thank you for passing it along to your support group. If there are any special education or special needs topics your group is interested in learning about, please email me at writeloudly at me dot com. Also, have your group check out my advocacy website at Diagnosing Parents Rights dot com. Thank you for reading.
TOTALY AWSOME I AM REALY IMPRESSED KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Was at the Casino show and really delighted by the whole 'Indigo' thing that went on! He was great... you could really feel his happiness up there on stage-- nice story here, thanks!
I'm glad you had a chance to put this out. My daughter and I would love to see video of the performance. There was no way to link that?
Tell Indy how proud we are.
What a beautiful story. Anyone who knows of Blue October knows that these guys have hearts of gold. Indigo, what a blessing you are to your mother. I have said it once, and will say it again. Blue October has saved me many hours and so much $$$ in therapy. The music is amazingly good, haunting at times. The progression from their earlier starts to the latest CD "Approaching Normal" tells a story of hope. Wonderful story, thanks for sharing. (I am twittering this as I type...)
Mallgirl - I'm glad you got to experience the magic that night. Theresa, there are links to his performance at the bottom of the article, it says watch Indigo's performance. Each of those two links on there are two different videos, enjoy! Christina, yes. Blue October is amazing. Their progression is a story of hope. Nicely said. I, too, have listened to Justin's lyrics and Blue's music to help me get through tough times as well. They Rock like no other.
I was at that show!!!! indigo was amazing, that was such a special moment =)
I was at that show; it was such a fantastic thing, watching Indigo get up there and rock out. I get a little choked up just watching my kids stand up and sing off-key at a regular school concert... I can't imagine how I'd feel if one of my kids was on-stage like that.
Kate,
It was truly amazing. I was actually speechless the entire time he was onstage. I couldn't breathe. LOL We are going to see them again this April. They are an amazing bunch of guys. Thank you for reading.
What an uplifting story! I can't wait to share this with my daughter...
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