Magic for Everyone: My Journey with the Special Needs Community

Performing magic at my first Autism Eats event. Where my magical journey truly began.

As I sit here reflecting on my magical journey, I can’t help but think about how far I’ve come, especially with the special needs community. This path wasn’t one I expected to take, but it's been life-changing in ways I could never have imagined.

Let's rewind to 2017. At the time, I was in my late 30s, performing magic for a few years, focusing mostly on kids’ shows and sharing my craft with local charities and non-profits. I was in full “test drive mode,” working to fine-tune the skills I’d accumulated since I first fell in love with magic at 10 years old.

But then, fate stepped in.

I saw a flyer on Facebook for an event hosted by the Rand Family for the special needs community. They were part of Autism Eats, an organization from the East Coast. I figured, why not reach out and offer to share my magic with them? I had no clue what to expect.

I didn’t know much about the special needs community, and I had no idea how my show would be received. Was there something I needed to change? Should I tailor my performance? Well, when the time came, I found that it wasn’t a massive overhaul. I made a few small adjustments to better connect with their needs, but at its core, my magic was still about one thing: making people laugh, bringing them joy, and showing them something they could believe in.

And you know what? It worked. The kids, the adults, the families—they weren’t so different from anyone else. They wanted to feel loved, to laugh, and to be entertained. Magic, in all its wonder, was the perfect way to deliver that.

This was just the beginning of what has become a heartwarming journey with the special needs community in the High Desert. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with different groups in the region. I’ve seen families grow and children thrive, and in the process, I’ve become a part of their extended family. Through it all, I’ve learned that no matter where we come from, we all share a desire to believe in magic.

Since 2018, I began working with Rock’n Our Disabilities, offering magic classes and sharing my magic at events for their community. It’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career, and each event is a reminder of why I do what I do: to spread joy, laughter, and the magic that connects us all.

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been watching Steven grow. I first met Steven in 2017, when he was a young teenager at one of my first events. His enthusiasm for magic left a lasting impression on me. Fast forward to 2025, and Steven came to one of my shows at a bar. It was so amazing to see him as a young adult, supporting me just as I supported him all those years ago.

That’s the power of magic—it’s for everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are or what challenges you face. Magic brings people together. It transcends all barriers and reminds us that we all have the ability to create wonder and joy in each other’s lives.

To the special needs community in the High Desert, to Autism Eats, to Rock’n Our Disabilities, to Steven, and to all the families who’ve welcomed me into their lives—thank you. You’ve taught me more than any magic trick ever could. Here’s to many more years of sharing magic, laughter, and love together. Let’s keep believing in the magic we all share.

Jonathan Molo

The Man in the Purple Suit