Malva Freymuth Tarasewicz

Malva Freymuth Tarasewicz, D.M.A., writer and professional violinist, is first and foremost a mother; her son, Benjamin, has long been the focus of her creative energies. Malva has been Benjamin's primary therapist and helper throughout his life; she has gradually guided him out of the deeply autistic state that prevailed during his early childhood.

Now, although he still struggles with the challenges of autism, Benjamin has grown into a young adult with a talent for public speaking as well as for singing and acting. Malva has teamed up with him, creating presentations about living with autism which educate while also inspiring others to overcome their personal challenges. The team has also spearheaded sensory-friendly concerts, performing in these as well.

For over a decade, Malva and Benjamin have maintained a collaborative blog with the same title as the book: Benjamin Breaking Barriers. The blog takes up the life-story where the book leaves off; that is, near the end of Benjamin's sophomore year in high school. Join us as Benjamin moves into adulthood and makes his mark!

View Benjamin's 12-minute TEDx-talk on YouTube: Breaking Barriers of Autism - The Power of Kindness and Friendship

Malva holds a doctoral degree in music, performs and teaches, and is the author of the internationally acclaimed book, Mental Practice and Imagery for Musicians (1999). For over two decades, Malva trained her horse and competed in upper-level dressage. She lives in Boulder with her family, appreciates the beauty of nature that surrounds their home, and revels in the expanding adventure that is Benjamin Breaking Barriers.