Some Kind of Genius: The Extraordinary Journey of Musical Savant Tony DeBlois

by Janice Deblois, Antonia Felix

For everyone whose heart was touched by the movie Rain Man , here is the inspiring true story of an exceptional autistic savant whose musical gifts thrill audiences the world over.

Ever since he was born-blind and weighing less than two pounds-Tony DeBlois has been defying the odds and wildly surpassing others' expectations. Diagnosed early on as autistic, at two years old his talent for music was revealed when he played "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on a toy piano. Going on to graduate with honors from the Berklee College of Music, today Tony leads an improvisational jazz ensemble and performs solo shows from Dublin to Taipei and even Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center.

Some Kind of Genius weaves details of Tony's amazing musical accomplishments--he can play 20 instruments and his sixth CD, also titled Some Kind of Genius , is set to be released at the time of this book-with a fascinating look at savant syndrome, in which a person with certain developmental limitations exhibits brilliance in some other aspect of his life. Tony's fiercely devoted mother, Janice, also tells of her own crusade-not only for the rights of her son but on behalf of all those with special needs.

Tony's story will hold special appeal for all who have seen him on the Today s how and Entertainment Tonight ; watched the Lifetime movie based on his life, Journey of the Heart ; heard him in concert; or read about him in Dr. Darold Treffert's book Extraordinary Understanding Savant Syndrome .

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Charlene]

Wow, just how much this family had in perseverance and love for each other and education is astounding.

52 Book Challenge #50. A Musical Instrument on the Cover

[Iamshadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me about five years to get hold of this book, and I am so, so grateful I finally did. Anyone with an interest in musical savants and autism should get hold of it and read it. Don't gulp it all in one go; read it slowly, a chapter at a time, and enjoy it for what it is - the story of a young man who truly exceeded all expectations with the support of his mother and the musical professionals who took a chance on him and allowed him to shine.

[Corky]

Very interesting story of a blind autistic man who overcame unbelievable obstacles all of his life - written by his mother who was an amazing person herself.
Tony is an accomplished pianist and a successful concert pianist - playing all kinds of music - on the piano and other instruments. Much information on autistic savants.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony's story is touching. His mother's dedication and insistence upon the quality of his education, medical care, day to day life... it's inspirational. He was born premature and weighed under 2 pounds. He's blind and autistic, yet graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music. If you feel the need for inspiration, pick it up.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is not the most life-changing book ever written, I felt very compelled to get back to it each night. It is a real testament to the dedication that drives a loving mother to help a child make the most of life. Tony is an autistic child with undeniable musical gifts. His mother demands the very best education, music training and living conditions for him in which to flourish.