“Let's raise our voices for those who are silent, let's be a hand for those who need a hand” are part of the lyrics of the song that Darko Račić dedicated to children with autism. This song, for which Račić signed the lyrics and created the music with the help of AI (artificial intelligence), is accompanied by a video that was released today at 11:55.
"Special emphasis should be placed on including parents of people and children with autism in the process of developing policies and strategies. Parents are the best experts on the needs and challenges faced by people with autism. Without their active participation, no measure will be effective. Therefore, we need to ensure that their opinion is of key importance in creating solutions that will directly improve the quality of life of our fellow citizens with autism...", explains the author of the song, explaining why he dedicated the song "Nek' nas čuju kad govorim tišinom" to them.
"This video was created out of love and respect for children and adults on the autism spectrum. All the characters depicted were created using advanced AI technology and all the characters in the video are fictional and do not exist. Our mission is clear - to understand, support and leave no one behind. Autism is not an obstacle - non-acceptance is. We choose acceptance," says Račić, and explains to "Vijesti" how the idea for the video came about.
"The idea came from the need to make the voices of children and adults on the autism spectrum more heard. Instead of talking about them without them, I wanted to create a work of art that conveys emotion - love, understanding and support. The song is a call to stop seeing autism as an obstacle and start seeing it as a unique way of being," he believes.
"The message of the song is simple: every child deserves to be seen, loved, and accepted. Autism is not a defect - autism is diversity. And diversity enriches society," he adds, revealing to whom he dedicated the song.
"I dedicate this song to all children and adults on the autism spectrum, as well as their parents, teachers, and therapists who fight a great battle every day, quietly and without the spotlight," says the song's author.
When asked why he decided to release the song at exactly 5 minutes to 12, he says that it is also a kind of message.
"Because it is a symbolic time - the last moment. We must not wait another year, another day, another hour for children to receive understanding and support. By broadcasting at 11.55, we are sending a message that the time for change is today. This is a thank you and encouragement - you are not alone," emphasizes Račić, who also created the video with the help of AI.
"All the characters are the result of artificial intelligence, created out of respect for the privacy of children and parents. The video is about autism in general, not about individuals. The point is to present a universal story - without exposing real children to the public without their permission," he says.
Račić also says that his wish when it comes to the song "Let them hear us when we speak silently" is to initiate change.
"If just one child gets a chance, if one parent feels they are not alone, if one school moves towards inclusion - the poem has fulfilled its purpose. Art cannot change the world overnight, but it can change people. And people change the world," he concludes.
The author of the song "Let them hear us when we speak silently" says that he won't stop there when it comes to creative ways to draw attention to children and adults with autism.
"This is not a one-time act, but a beginning. Every creative format that can raise awareness about autism - a song, a video, education, workshops - is valuable and necessary. I will do everything in my power to help raise awareness in society in any way possible and participate as much as possible in creating solutions that can directly improve the quality of life of our fellow citizens with autism... This is not a one-time act, but a beginning," Račić replies.
"Any creative format that can raise awareness about autism - a song, a video, education, workshops, is valuable and needed," he continues.
At the end of the conversation, the author of this track also explains why it is important to draw others' attention to the problems faced by children and adults with autism and their loved ones.
"It is important to draw attention to the problems faced by people on the autism spectrum and their loved ones because many people still do not understand their everyday lives. Every parent, every teacher and every child goes through challenges that are often not seen or recognized by those around them. By raising awareness through the song and video, we want to encourage empathy, understanding and action - so that society provides support, resources and space for everyone," he believes.
"Ultimately, it's about humanity: when we see and understand each other, we all live in a better, more inclusive world," said Račić.
Bonus video:
