An Interview With Edward Sylvan
… I have autism. I’m an autism advocate and use my TikTok account to spread REAL autism information. Better to hear from someone with perspective and experience than someone with no experience.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cory Singer.
Cory Singer has become a social media & TikTok sensation as an autism advocate, coining the phrase “Let’s Normalize Autism.” With over 405k followers and 13 million likes (TikTok) and full verification across Twitter, FB & Instagram he promotes positivity by inspiring others with his unique brand, music, and personal experiences of having autism himself. Some of Cory’s accomplishments include BRAVO TV’s singing competition “The Kandi Factory,” winning the grand prize (single and music video release), and being given Best Vocal Performance in 2013 for his role in Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro’s The Last Romance in Broadway World Magazine.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
First of all, thank you for having me! I grew up doing theater. When I was 18 I did a singing competition show called “The Kandi Factory”. It was a show where Kandi Burruss Would have 2 competitors per episode and one of them would win and I won my episode. Kandi wrote a song for each contestant that was unique to them and It inspired me to start writing my own songs.
And now here we are!
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
I inadvertently learned that french fries and potato chips are great for the singing voice. This one time before a gig I had a plate of french fries and My voice never got tired, shortly afterward I had a voice lesson and told the teacher what happened and she explained the science to me.
Now I bring potato chips to every gig!
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Work hard and work harder. This business comes with a lot of time and sacrifice, so be prepared.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
My mother. She is the hardest working person I know. On top of that, she and my father believed in me and saw my potential. My mother in particular pushed me when I felt like giving up. Who else can say that they have parents that believe that their kid can succeed in this business?
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I have autism. I’m an autism advocate and use my TikTok account to spread REAL autism information. Better to hear from someone with perspective and experience than someone with no experience.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
It was completely by accident. I made a random post on TikTok about my autism and it blew up.
So I made another video about it, then another, and another, etc. It actually helped me accept my autism and I receive messages from other people on the spectrum that tell me how much my videos have impacted them. That’s the most rewarding part.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
My mom’s friend. She was watching my autism videos and came to find that her daughter may have autism. And it really helped their relationship.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
The biggest thing that they can do is listen to us. For years we have been spoken for. Now with the help of the internet, we can use our voices and get the facts out there, everyone else needs to listen and take facts.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
1. Nothing happens overnight.
2. Not everyone is going to like your material.
3. Create music from your heart.
4. Be authentic.
5. A failure is a learning moment.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I think I already started. Talking about autism has opened so many people’s eyes to the facts about autism. So many others on the spectrum speak on the matter as well. The GOOD benefits are finally starting to happen.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
It’s a quote that I made up. “Focus on your abilities, NOT your disabilities.” It means to believe in yourself no matter what.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Kevin Smith. In 2014 I had a medical procedure done that had me bedridden for 8 months. His movies helped me get through that time and would like to thank him for his help.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Thank you for having me!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Cory Singer Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.