Musician Benjamin Lerner on Reframing Autism and Overcoming Substance Use Disorder
“My best experiences in education were when a teacher reframed something different about me and turned it into a strength.”
On Wednesday musician, writer, and substance use recovery activist Benjamin Lerner spoke with BBA faculty and students about his journey as an Autistic person and through substance use recovery.
With disarming honesty and precision, Lerner, now 30 years old, discussed his experience as a child with Autism in the 1990s. Lerner pointed out how academic and social standards geared toward neurotypical children made him feel isolated; but recounted stories of several teachers and employers whose patience, respect, and care helped him to develop an array of personal and professional talents.
Never mincing words, Lerner recounted how the desire to cure the aspects of Autism that made him feel isolated gradually led him to a difficult and dangerous substance use disorder, “I was using a flawed tool to try to cope with something I didn’t know how to solve.”
Lerner, who has been sober since June of 2016, is passionate about using education and music to communicate about substance use recovery. His debut album, CLEAN, was released in 2020, and his weekly column in the Vermont News Guide and Seven Days shares stories from his personal journey.
His parting message to educators: “Recognize the capabilities of students and bring them out in any way you can; channel these positive aspects to work toward a common goal.”
Offering every student a world of opportunities.
Burr and Burton Academy
57 Seminary Avenue
PO Box 498
Manchester, VT 05254
Phone: 802.362.1775, Fax: 802.362.0574
