Brett Werner is a 22-year-old nonverbal man with autism, but there are two words he does say: "Beach Boys."
He listens to the surf-centric band everyday. Their music helps calm him down.
So on Friday night, thanks to country radio station WOMC Detroit and 7 Action News , Werner finally met his idols. He got to hang out with Mike Love and Bruce Johnston of the band at the Freedom Hill Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights, Mich.
"It's kind of the ultimate compliment to us and our music," Love said after meeting the 22-year-old.
"He's got a real soul," Johnston added. "I like it."
Werner's father, Mark, said that while other parents look forward to their children's graduations or weddings, he's been looking forward to his son's meeting with The Beach Boys.
"The biggest Beach Boys fan on the planet is living in my house,” he told the station.
Parents who read Werner's story on Autism Speaks' Facebook page, commented that their own kids had an artist or band that brought calmness. Inspirations included Reba and Lee Ann Womack.
The powers of music therapy were also highlighted last October after a video of Katy Perry singing with Jodi DiPiazza, an 11-year-old with autism, went viral.
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