SILENT VOICES: Empathy & Autism Presentation
Monday, Oct. 1st - 6:30-8:30pm
Stillwater Middle School
523 W Marsh Street, Stillwater, MN
The PONY CHANGEMAKERS team, in partnership with Andersen Elementary, is hosting a presentation by Matteo Musso, a 14 year old young man with autism who discovered how to communicate through a letter board just two years ago. His trapped intelligence released after almost 12 years of silence, Matteo guides us through his world and shares amazing insights through his poetry and writing. Over the last two years, Matteo has written and published several books, created a non-profit organization called the CREATIVE AUTISM SOLUTIONS TEAM, and has presented to several universities, schools and corporate and medical groups across the US. Matteo and his mother, Annette, will share their story of this journey on Monday evening in his presentation: “Silence Speaks Louder Than Words: A Perspective Unheard from a Silent Autistic Teen.”
Matteo’s message focuses not only on autism awareness, but also on how we should all practice empathy, look for the gifts in others, and live a life of acceptance and respect. By exploring our gifts and passions and connecting with others, we can all design our purpose and become change-makers.
Article published on Autism Empowerment website:
Luther College Article:
The newly formed PONY CHANGEMAKERS team is a group of multi-age students from Stillwater Middle School focused on empathy and human-centered design and innovation. We will be working with Andersen students this fall to help them learn how we can use our empathy skills to collaboratively problem-solve and create innovative solutions for others. Several classrooms at Andersen Elementary will be participating in the Global Read Aloud starting on October 1st, and reading A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold. The main character is a young autistic boy. This book, paired with the writings of Matteo Musso, and the story of Dr. Temple Grandin, will serve as a launchpad into a deeper learning experience focused on empathy and human-centered design.
AutismOne Conference 2018
Chicago, May 23-27
Featured Speaker: Matteo Musso
"A Perspective Unheard"
Friday, May 25, 2018 - 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Talk Description:
“Truth is – autism, it’s not what you think.” Matteo Musso, a 14 year old non-vocal teen with autism, shares his truth through a letter board. He will share what really made the difference when it came to his own growth and evolution, as well as his perspective on life as he experiences it through the lens of autism. In addition you will have an opportunity to ask Matteo questions regarding stims, diet, attitude, behaviors, school, therapies, exercise, and anything else you want to know that may help your child. “Here is my truth. It may not be yours. But I’ll explain mine. A perspective unheard.” Question and answer session following. For more information: AutismOne Conference
ARRM 2018 Conference
Prior Lake, Minnesota June 6, 2018
ARRM is a nonprofit association of more than 200 providers, businesses and advocates dedicated to leading the advancement of home and community-based services supporting people living with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives.
Featured Speaker: Matteo Musso
Wednesday, June 6, 2018 • 10am - 12am
"Can you believe it? You can the be stand out gift to us all."
Matteo Musso is a 14 year-old young man with autism. He communicates through his letter board, expressing himself beautifully, one letter at a time. "My talk will focus on beliefs and how powerful they are to the people being served. Once in a while a special therapist or facilitator emerges and all families want that person to be the helper to their loved one. Let's strive to understand the components of that special one. So the awareness spreads to all of those who are working with our special population. Individuals can have the recipe to become that most revered among helpers, then choose to blend in or stand out."
Lincoln Center
New York City
April 25, 2017
Matteo will be one of 2 “Elite Guests” representing the autism community at this fundraiser:
Hammer Association
Wayzata, Minnesota March 29, 2018
Featured Speaker: Matteo Musso
Thursday, March 29, 2018
10:30am - 12:30pm for therapists and case managers
6:30pm - 8:30pm for parents of special needs people
Pine Island Middle School
Pine Island, Minnesota March 27, 2018
Featured Speaker: Matteo Musso
Tuesday, March 27, 2018 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Presentation for parents and teachers regarding
autism and special needs students.
Presentation for parents and teachers regarding
autism and special needs students.
Parents Helping Parents - Bay Area
San Jose, California, March 8, 2018
Featured Speaker: Matteo Musso
"A Perspective Unheard"
Thursday, March 8, 2018 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Parents Helping Parents
1400 PARKMOOR AVE STE 100
95126 SAN JOSE , CA
All are welcome!
$5.00 cost
Talk Description:
“Truth is – autism, it’s not what you think.” Matteo Musso, a 14 year old non-vocal teen with autism, shares his truth through a letter board. He will share what really made the difference when it came to his own growth and evolution, as well as his perspective on life as he experiences it through the lens of autism. In addition you will have an opportunity to ask Matteo questions regarding stims, diet, attitude, behaviors, school, therapies, exercise, and anything else you want to know that may help your child. “Here is my truth. It may not be yours. But I’ll explain mine. A perspective unheard.” Question and answer session following. More information: Parents Helping Parents: Matteo Presents with Annette
University of Wisconsin School of Nursing
Madison, Wisconsin, February 15, 2018
Featured Speaker: Matteo Musso
"Working with Special Needs Patients"
Thursday, February 15, 2018 • 7:00am
Understanding what it is like having autism and how to communicate compassionately with their special needs patients. Assume intelligence.
Las Positas College, Psychology Department
Livermore, California, February 8, 2018
Featured Speaker: Matteo Musso
"Living with Autism and How to Work with Autistic Clients"
Thursday, February 8, 2018 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Psychology student classroom