Commissioner Diaz helps kick off Autism Awareness Month

At left, child pianist Jacob Velazquez performs at the Autism Awareness Month kickoff event. At right, he is greeted by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz.
(Photos by Armando Rodriguez / Miami-Dade County)

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY - Child piano sensation Jacob Velazquez helped kick off the County’s celebration of Autism Awareness Month on April 5 with a live performance at the Stephen P. Clark Center in downtown Miami.

The 8-year-old, who has been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, performed pieces by Claude Debussy and Yanni against the backdrop of a month-long art exhibit featuring the works of autistic children including 15-year-old Bryan Fernandez-Cornejo of Sweetwater – all highlighting autistic individuals’ tremendous capacity for creativity and expression.

“Kids like Jacob and Bryan are amazing examples of the great things people with autism can do if we just allow them to develop their inner talents,” said County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, who has been kicking off the County’s annual celebration of Autism Awareness Month since 2009, when he sponsored a resolution declaring April as Autism Awareness Month.

Miami-Dade firefighters and IAFF Local 1403 were on hand, some sporting the blue “Autism Awareness” T-shirts they have been selling to raise funds for autism awareness and treatment. Together, they recently raised $10,000 for Autism Speaks of South Florida.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that impairs communication skills and social abilities. There is no known cause or cure for autism, which is estimated to affect 1 out of every 68 children born in the United States. 

But for Jacob, autism is just part of what makes him who he is. “If you’re lucky enough to be different, then don’t change,” he said.