By Joel Delgado ’12 MS ’17

In her TEDxFIU 2015 talk and performance, Patricia Kayser shared how music allowed her to truly connect with her brother Chris, who was identified as being on the autism spectrum at four years old.

Kayser, who recently finished her last semester at FIU and graduated with a degree in liberal arts studies and a certificate in social media and e-marketing, learned to play the guitar after seeing firsthand how music helped him become more social and interactive. She eventually started a non-profit organization, Autism & Music, to help others on the autism spectrum.

Kayser’s brother joined her on stage as she performed a song she wrote for him, “I Am Your Voice.” Chris clapped and cheered as she sang him the song and, more than once, he strummed the guitar strings.

In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, enjoy Kaiser’s TEDxFIU 2015 talk and performance, featured above.

TEDxFIU is now accepting applications for 2016 speakers and performers. To apply, visit the TEDxFIU site. The application deadline is May 13.