Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Kayser.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, and moved to the US in 2014. I found out I have a passion and talent for music, thanks to my brother Chris who has autism. I always tried looking for ways to connect with him, and music was that bridge that allowed me to do so. I started playing the guitar because he would come into my room pointing at the guitar for me to continue playing because he really enjoyed it. Then I started writing a little bit and fell in love with songwriting and storytelling. Not long after that, I found my mission in life, AKA “Autism and Music.” AnM is a non-profit organization with the mission of helping to enhance the quality of life of individuals with autism through the power of music. We host our “AnM Hangouts” which are music activities for special needs families to enjoy and other autism awareness initiatives. Our vision at Autism and Music is to open our “AnM Sanctuary”. A farm type of place, full of nature, where we will offer various fun classes for adults with special needs. Music, art, gardening, cooking, and more. My family and I have always wondered what will happen with my brother Chris when he is done with school. Where is he going to go for fun? How will he continue growing in a place that is inclusive? And I know that most special needs parents ask themselves the same question. So, one day, our AnM Sanctuary will open! We are looking for the right donors to help us make this vision happen. In the meantime, we continue hosting our AnM Hangout activities at different locations and events. We also offer online music classes for children and adults with special needs via zoom. I can’t express enough how incredible music impacts the behavior and overall mood of individuals with special needs. I have had the opportunity to be on several occasions where an individual with autism is going through a tantrum or a very hard situation and how music has helped them to overcome it in a pretty magical way. I have seen kids go from crying on the floor to laughing their heads out simply by starting to play the guitar.
In 2017, I was honored to be invited to give a speech and share my story at the world-known motivational conference called TED Talks. It was back when I was studying at my university, so it was called TEDx FIU. I had never really done public speaking at that level, but life surprised me with that opportunity, and I couldn’t resist but to give it a try. That day really gave my life a before and after. After my speech, my brother came onto the stage too, and we were surprised by a standing ovation. I got so many beautiful and inspiring comments that I said to myself, “I must write my story on paper so that more people can read it and hopefully be inspired.” That is when I started dreaming about publishing my first book. And it wasn’t until now, in June of 2022, that I was finally able to publish my first book “My Golden Brother”. I am extremely happy with the final result and the feedback that I have received so far. I really showed my most vulnerable side in this book, and even though it wasn’t easy, I know it was worth it. The book is also available in Spanish, “Mi Hermano de Oro”. Both versions are available on Amazon Prime and on our website www.autismandmusic.org
As previously mentioned, thanks to my brother I found out that I have a talent and passion for music. Thanks to him, I discovered a side of me that I never even imagined existed. In 2017, I met my husband Dani, who is also a musician, and together we started our world music band called “Palmar Delu.” We call it world music because we incorporate various different genres including reggae, ska, rock, bossa, and more. Our lyrics have a very important characteristic which is that all of our songs talk about positive things. We want our fans to feel good, connect with their hearts, and elevate their souls when they sing our songs. I am very aware of how music affects our subconscious mind and how it touches our soul in a way nothing else can. Through our unique sound and proposal, we want to invite our followers to understand the purpose of why we share our music with the world. And that is to bring love and well-being. Also, to share with them the importance of inclusion and invite them to learn more about our parallel movement, “Autism and Music.” To listen to our music, you can find us on YouTube or Spotify as “Palmar Delu.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Because of the way I perceive life, I believe that everything is perfect the way that it has happened. However, I definitely can mention a few struggles I have had to face along the way. First, opening a non-profit at age 24 was a bit complicated at the beginning. Many people tried convincing me that it was too hard or too much work, and also, nobody I knew had started one, so I didn’t really have someone to guide me through it. Being young also was a challenge at the beginning with parents because I guess it was kind of hard to trust someone that young to host an activity for their child with special needs. Thankfully, our AnM Team has gained the trust and respect of many of our special needs families, and now they love joining us at our activities. Besides that, most of the journey has been smooth because everything we do, we do it with love and patience, and especially, trusting the process.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do various things, and all of them are equally important to me. I am a singer-songwriter from the band Palmardelu which I have with my husband. I am the founder of Autism and Music, a non-profit organization with the mission of helping to enhance the quality of life of individuals with autism through the power of music. I am the author of my first book “My Golden Brother – The art of autism” which has the goal to inspire the world to be kinder and more inclusive. I am proud of being able to handle all these while being a full-time mom of 2 beautiful girls Sol and Lu, and the lucky wife of Dani, my soulmate.
I believe what sets me apart from others is that everything I do comes from the heart, and it has a very meaningful purpose, which is to inspire other and myself to be more kind and loving with others but especially with ourselves. I want to share my talents and my passion with the world to build a community of people who want to help each other to be better, learn from each other, and elevate our consciousness.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
The family trips I did with my family. I love all the adventures and life lessons I learned from them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.autismandmusic.org / www.palmardelu.com
- Instagram: @autismnmusic / @palmardelu
- Facebook: Autism and Music / Palmardelu
- Twitter: @autismnmusic / @palmardelu
- Youtube: Autism and Music / Palmardelu
- Others: https://autismandmusic.org/the-shop/
Image Credits
Bryan Garces
Jorge Martinez
