Child with autism to hold online concert for 13th birthday

Not even the pandemic can stop a child from sharing his music to the world.

Luis Gatchalian was diagnosed with autism at an early age of two. Now 12, he is more confident than ever to let everyone see what he’s capable of.

Luis is turning 13 soon, and for his birthday, he decided to hold an online birthday concert on May 23, Sunday, where he will be playing the piano to his viewers.

Luis started being serious with playing the piano when he was seven years old and according to his mom, Chie, he has also developed skills that make him extraordinary.

“He now has a classical and contemporary piano teacher. He reads notes but also can play by ear. He listens to a piece and then copies it on his own,” she told GMA News Online.

Apart from taking music lessons, Chie believes that whether it is the result of his autism or not, Luis is very disciplined and focused when it comes to something he’s passionate about.

“I find that this trait helps him in pursuing his dream of becoming a good pianist because he practices regularly and sticks to a routine,” she said.

After years of going through various kinds of therapy, Luis has stopped receiving sessions a year ago because “he has met all his goals.”

Chie added that the child used to have a hard time facing people, even to the point of being anxious, so she’s happy to see him wanting to interact with others.

“He has really matured in his piano playing and it has made him want to reach out to people to share his talent. Luis is also very social,” she said.

“He misses interacting with people in real life and this is his way of doing so in a safe environment,” she continued.

With this growth, Luis is continuously using the internet to show what he’s got through his own YouTube channel which is full of his performances.

Included in the songs he has shown to the world include “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.

Apart from giving in to Luis’ request, Chie hopes that the concert will serve as hope for other parents of children with special needs.

“To find something their children can be good at and to nurture that talent,” she said.

“[Luis] works hard. He has overcome so much and he continues to defy odds. He is a gift to our family and we would love to share him and his talents to everybody,” she added.

The concert will stream live at 4pm on May 23 on Luis Gatchalian’s Facebook page. Make sure to keep your favorite songs in mind because he will be taking requests too!

Happy 13th birthday, Luis! — LA, GMA News