They played a few songs that Broden didn’t know, so he was still confused until they started to play “Rosanna.” Broden turned to look at me and started to smile. He figured it out. Broden was experiencing his first rock concert. The last song was the ultimate treat. Toto played one of Broden’s favorite songs, “Africa.” He was so excited, I had to calm him down. I can’t imagine having so much feeling coming through your body and trying to find the words to express it. That’s what was happening to Broden.

Finally, the moment we were all waiting for, Journey took the stage. Broden sang and he danced. Journey did not disappoint. After only playing two songs, they went big. They started to play “Don’t Stop Believin.’” I’ll never forget the moment Broden realized they were playing his song. He leaned in close to my face and I could tell he was using his eyes to show me his excitement. He started to jump up and down swaying his body back and forth.

There were moments throughout the concert that we needed to take a break. Jaime would help me walk Broden around so he could take some time to process everything that was happening. On one of our short walks, someone who worked at the auditorium noticed Broden and showed us a quiet room behind the stage, where we could sit until he was ready to come back to the concert. While we were resting in the quiet room, Broden still requested that Jaime play "Don't Stop Believin'" on her phone. If it was up to Broden, Journey probably would have had to play his song over and over again. But one thing Broden learned was that the show goes on, and hitting replay was not an option.

“Although Broden finds it difficult to voice what he is feeling, that night I could feel his emotion. I could feel him bursting with excitement and him desperately wanting to connect with us as he heard the music.”

Broden held on as long as he could, and then we knew it was time to head home. As we were walking out, Journey started to play “Faithfully.” Broden turned around and smiled. I put my hand on his shoulder, “Let’s listen to this song and then we can go.” Broden swayed back and forth with his eyes closed, feeling the music move through his body. He was exhausted, but I could tell he was enjoying it. Once the song was over, we motioned to Broden that we could leave and head home. Broden was up two hours past his bedtime, and it was time to head back home.

Broden had an experience I don’t think he will ever forget. I’m grateful that Mark and I could give him an opportunity to feel the excitement and adrenaline of a live concert filled with music that he adores. Although Broden finds it difficult to voice what he is feeling, that night I could feel his emotion. I could feel him bursting with excitement and him desperately wanting to connect with us as he heard the music. Music is powerful. Music is so powerful, I think it has the ability to break through autism. We experienced it that night. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelly Huhtanen is an Army wife stationed at Fort Jackson, SC. She enjoys sharing her experiences of her day-to-day life caring for her son with autism. For over 10 years, she has contributed her column "Puzzles and Camo" to EP Magazine's military section. Shelly authored Giving a Voice to the Silent Many that encompasses many stories of raising a child with autism in the military. She also teaches Public Communication at the University of South Carolina.