IMAGINE WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE ME

American Idol is back. I am amazed at how many tens of thousands of people believe they have singing voices that others want to hear. I will watch 'Idol' again, but I must say that Christine and I enjoyed another import from Simon Cowell's creative British successes. X Factor went on for months and finished just a few weeks ago. Permit me to introduce you to one contestant whose voice is worth hearing, made even more compelling because of his personal message.

Scott James is Autistic and after reaching the final 50 of X-Factor he has recorded this Autism single. It was released on April 2nd 2011, coincident with Autism Awareness Day. All funds from its sale are donated to Autism Awareness UK. Have you ever  wondered what it is like to have Autism? If you wish to have a brief musical treat as well as peak into an autistic spirit, please listen.

Then, for a moment consider Ayn Van Dyk who is ten years of age, not nearly as proficient at language or music as Scott and yet she too wishes that people, particularly the social workers directly involved with her case, would be able to understand what she experiences each day because that would most certainly inform them that she needs to be with her family in order to survive. 

On Monday, January 23rd, her father is attending a Case Conference at which he will learn how prepared the Ministry of Children is to returning Ayn to her daddy. She didn't mean to do anything wrong. She just walked away from home. Her daddy didn't think he was doing anything wrong when he called the police to ask for assistance in helping to find her.

When you see Scott now, on stage and singing in front of a crowd, you may question his so-called autism. Scott's disorder is known as Asperger. Asperger syndrome is often considered a high functioning form of autism. People with this syndrome have difficulty interacting socially, repeat behaviors, and often are clumsy. Motor milestones may be delayed. People with Asperger do not withdraw from the world in the way that people with autism withdraw. They will often approach other people. However, their problems with speech and language in a social setting often lead to isolation. With treatment, many children and their families can learn to cope with the problems of Asperger syndrome. Social interaction and personal relationships may still be problems. However, many adults work successfully in mainstream jobs and are able to have an independent life, if they have the right kind of support available. Scott had the disorder earlier but was diagnosed when he was 13 years old and could not leave his home for seven years. He was 21 when he sang on X-Factor. A vocal coach assisted him to develop his natural singing ability into the instrument that you hear.


The online site at which to access this and other autism resource videos
Scott's audition in Manchester UK which pushed him to the next round. "You Raise Me Up."
Scott's Website