WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)?
According to Mayo Clinic, “autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term “spectrum” in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity”.
MEET CHARLIE
Charles Quigless III, known as C-Quig, is a 21-year-old rapper from St. Louis, MO. When he was two and a half years old, he was diagnosed with autism. Doctors told his parents that C-Quig would not be able to have a conversation with them. His love of music grew when he wrote, performed, and recorded a rap insert for a song with his church youth choir in high school.
Now, at age 21, Charlie is a full-time college student studying commercial music while also being an up-and-coming rapper, singer, and performer. C-Quig is a dedicated autism self-advocate and in partnership with The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, he uses his platform to spread a positive message of hope and encouragement for others impacted by autism and those with disabilities.
Check out Charlie’s website to learn more about this inspirational young man and his amazing music. www.cquig.com
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INTERVIEW
Q: Please share your experience with autism starting as a child to adulthood.
A: Throughout my school career, I was put through a lot of therapy. Most of it included speech therapy with a speech pathologist. I had a terrible stuttering problem, and I still do sometimes. I also had a tough time catching social cues and I would often feel left out because I would never get what they were talking about or what they wanted me to do. I even got bullied a lot because of my disability. As a result of that, I became an introvert for a while. But at the same time, it led me into doing music. It was a way for me to get my story out there and hopefully get people to understand me more.
Q: How has your experience with autism been in pursuing your goals and dreams?
A: Being autistic has led me into making music. Every one of my songs are about my life experiences and how I overcame my obstacles. Those songs led me to perform at places I had never thought I would be at in this stage of my life. Although there are times where I might get into an overload. It is all worth it because I get to travel around the world and inspire people who have a disability.
Q: Who has been your biggest supporter throughout your life and music journey?
A: My family for sure! My dad is my manager, and he attends all my shows with me. Plus, you got my mom showing her love and support as always. My friends are incredibly supportive as well, and I really cannot forget about my fans. Hearing my fans’ stories and how my music has kept them going, means more than words can say.
Q: From your personal experience, what advice would you give children and adults with autism?
A: Do not let your disability take over you. Do not let someone tell you what you can and cannot do in life. If you ever run across someone who does, prove them wrong. If there is something that you love and have a passion for in life, chase it. You never know where it could lead you.
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WRITTEN BY:
-MIA ESHOO, Millikin University, Senior Research and Marketing Intern
-NICOLE BUTLER, M.A., CCC-SLP/L (ASHA Certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Founder and Executive Director of Speech Within Reach.)
SPEECH WITHIN REACH provides in person and virtual telehealth speech therapy for children and adults. We are happy to support your speech therapy needs. Please feel free to reach out to us.