Aug 08 2008
David Militello A nine-year-old Autistic boy on America’s Got Talent
David Militello is a nine-year-old boy. His resent performance on America’s Got Talent stole the hearts of American’s across the
United States as he sang in perfect pitch You Got a Friend in Me. The difference about this particular contestant is that he has Autism. He did not acquire the ability to speak until he was three years old. It was then that he started singing, everyday on the bus back and forth to school.
Is he a savant? That is unclear. Nevertheless, he has mastered at least this one particular song.
David stood solo on the stage in front of celebrity hosts, a live studio audience, and television cameras broadcasting to homes across
America as he first answered questions. As you watch him, it is hard to imagine that he is indeed on the Autism Spectrum; however, there are some clues. His delay in response to the questions and the lack of emotion as he answers in almost robot like monotone are two. Yet, there is emotion in the song and on his voice. This could be just a learned technique that is a part of the song, which he has memorized and can repeat so perfectly.
As he is told that he is going to
Las Vegas, he does not show the excitement that one would expect from a nine-year-old boy. He does not understand. “You just won the hearts of
America.” He cannot grasp the magnitude of what that means. Although I can see his autism, many will see a brave little boy who sings very well and never suspect an underlying disorder.
As he comes off the stage, his autism is most apparent. As he is hugged lovingly, his response is robot like. Lax a daisy in comparison to the eager embraces with tight arms as his remain mostly relaxed and automatic.
There is autism around you everywhere. 1 in 150 children are now being diagnosed. Chances are you have seen someone with autism and not even known it. They look just like you, learn to mimic normal behavior as they attempt to make sense of their world, and find unique ways of fitting in.
As they find their talents and perfect their obsessions, they pave a way to be accepted by the outside world. They learn that putting your arms around someone is a show of affection even if for them it is a painful or intrusive encounter. They strive to be accepted by doing things that they cannot explain they can do.
Although David Militello did not make it to the next level in the competition, he has become famous. His video on You Tube is sure to be a hit. His story will inspire parents across the Autism Spectrum as they gain hope for their own children to someday touch the hearts of so many.
He sure is one true gift to those on the spectrum. His performance proves that there is hope for others on the spectrum. Although he is certain to live a life much different from what you may call normal, he will have a life that is normal for him.
Perhaps someday we will see him performing in concert, singing songs that are his own, and living a life that anyone would envy. What is true now is that he will forever be famous as the little nine-year-old boys who touched the hearts of millions as he so bravely spread the word about autism.
David Militello we do have a friend in you.
Follow the above link to view David Militello’s you tube video and watch his heart felt perfomance on America’s Got Talent.
