SIT DOWN WITH STEVE: Musical Phenom Jacob Velazquez, 14, Diagnosed With Form of Autism Called PDDNOS

Velazquez plays the piano, drums, guitar, cello, bass, saxophone, harmonica and ukulele

SIT DOWN WITH STEVE: Fourteen-year-old Jacob Velazquez talks with Steve Wilson in the latest edition of “Sit Down With Steve.” Velazquez, a multi-talented musician has appeared on such shows as America’s Got Talent and Good Morning America, and has collaborated with artists Kenny G., Andrea Bacelli and others. Velazquez, who was diagnosed with PDDNOS, a form of autism, at an early age, has been involved in helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities. He talks about this and much more in this exclusive interview.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Jacob Velazquez is only 14 years old, but he is wise beyond his years. He is a multi-talented musician having started playing music when he was just three years old.

Velazquez plays the piano, drums, guitar, cello, bass, saxophone, harmonica and ukulele and is working on another instrument. According to Velazquez, “it’s a secret and will be revealed in due time!”

Velazquez was diagnosed with a form of autism called PDDNOS (Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) at the age of five. However, his challenges have not slowed him down,

By the age of five, he had already appeared on Good Morning America, The View and CNN. Velazquez has also appeared on the Steve Harvey Show, the Harry Connick Jr. Show, multiple Telemundo shows – and was on America’s Got Talent.

He has also collaborated with superstars such as Andrea Bocelli and Kenny G.

WATCH: Jacob Velazquez plays the piano, drums, guitar, cello, bass, saxophone, harmonica and ukulele and is working on another instrument. According to Velazquez, “it’s a secret and will be revealed in due time!”

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When asked about his appearance on America’s Got Talent, Velazquez said he had a mixture of excitement and nerves. He enjoyed all the behind-the-scenes activities and seeing how the show was produced and said the overall experience was “really awesome.”

Velazquez writes a lot of his own music and beams when talking about his love of the writing process.

“It’s really cool to get out my ideas and my emotions – writing music is my form of expressing my creativity,” said Velazquez.

Not only he is a talented musician, but Velazquez has been involved in helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities.

“I believe God gave us our gift and abilities and our talents and gave us the responsibility to serve others with those gifts and talents,” said Velazquez, who is very passionate about serving others.

He has goals of continuing his music career and performing on a big stage. Besides writing and performing, he has been involved with music directing and session work, however, he said, “Ultimately what God has in store for me.”

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