Sunday, February 6, 2011

In Britain, autistic teen finds her voice through singing

From BBC News:

A teenager from Essex with atypical autism has recorded a single, despite being told she would never speak.

Fifteen-year-old Charlotte Fieldson (pictured) a pupil at Columbus College says she feels very proud of her achievements.

Mum Jayne Harris told BBC Essex: "They said she would probably never communicate in words, and here we are today, she's just done fantastic."

Charlotte recently auditioned for 'Britain's Got Talent' and is waiting to hear if she got to the next round.

"I went inside and sang 'Hallelujah'," said Charlotte.

"They said they would let me know if I'm through in February."

Charlotte says getting to the next stage would 'make her happy'.

Jayne says at the moment they are just taking one day at a time.

"It's been a bit of a roller coaster really," she said.

"Most children with atypical autism can communicate, but just through noise really."

Tom Owens, Charlotte's former teacher at Columbus College in Chelmsford was instrumental in getting Charlotte's song recorded.

"He was the one who originally tapped into her talent and said 'look you've got somebody here who's got a fantastic voice with real potential.'"

They plan to use any monies raised from the single to fundraise for the school.