Autism Light: Tyler Gregory

January 16, 2013January 17, 2021 Alan Stokes

Tyler Gregory is a musician from Lawrence, Kansas who is referred to as “The Guitar Man”. On May 13, 2012, while Tyler Gregory was playing his acoustical guitar on a street in downtown Lawrence, Kansas, he met an eight-year-old boy named Jacob who is blind and has autism. Jacob took a special interest in Tyler Gregory’s guitar and music. Tyler Gregory is an Autism Light because he created this opportunity for Jacob to appreciate music and allowed him to touch his guitar.

The following is a YouTube video that Jacob’s parents recorded of their autistic son’s enjoyment of Tyler Gregory’s music. The touching video underscores the role of music in the life of people with autism. This video of “Jacob and the Guitar Man” has received over half a million views. Jacob’s family left this simple message for Tyler Gregory on the description of the video: “Thank you so much for letting Jacob feel the music (Source)!”

Tyler Gregory wrote this in his journal about his experience playing for Jacob.

When Jacob came over I felt excited about having another kid listen to the music. (Makes my day when kids dance to the music on the street. I already had a couple come over that day so it was already nice). However, unlike most kids that come up to me with curiosity, I felt so much energy coming off of him and I was completely overwhelmed. It was a powerful moment that made my day and reminded me of the good things in life. Reminded me why I love different interactions with people when playing music. Reminded me of how powerful music can be between two people. It also reminded me not to take things for granted, for most of us have it pretty easy in our everyday life. So, I just simply went home with a very big smile on my face that day, and a story to tell my close ones.(Source). For more information on Tyler Gregory visit his website at http://tylergregorymusic.com/. You may also email him at Huffington Post.

Tyler Gregory is the first Autism Light from the state of Kansas. He will also be added to the Autism Light Music page and join the list of other musicians featured on the blog. Special thanks to Tyler Gregory for being an Autism Light. This story illustrates how one can become an Autism Light when they least expect it and are going through their ordinary routine like Tyler Gregory was on this day when he met a blind boy with autism named Jacob. We wish Tyler Gregory the best and hope he will continue to bless all people, including those with autism, by playing his guitar.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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