David Militello - 9 year old Autistic Boy on America's Got Talent

I admit it, I watch America's Got Talent - I once saw "The Hoff" in the Newark Airport. No, I didn't ask him for an autograph. I've been particularly touched by one particular competitor this season. That is, 9 year old David Militello who is one of the child vocalists. David has Autism. His parents shared his story that he didn't speak until age three, when he sang before speaking.

His auditions had me in tears, all the hairs standing up on my arms - I had chills.




Tonight he made it into the top 60


As much I would love to see a child with Autism take this entire competition, I don't really see that as happening. I hope I don't go down in flames for this, but I'm actually surprised that he made it through tonight along with the little 4 year old girl, Kaitlyn Maher. David and Kaitlyn are adorable. Actually, what I find more adorable and touching than both of their singing is the innocent friendship that the two small children are clearly developing. To see that made me smile, I know how tough it is for ASD kids to develop friendships. Of course, Kaitlyn being as young as she is probably doesn't see anything different about David or if she does, she doesn't care. It reminded me of the relationship between my 3 year old neurotypical daughter and her older Autistic brother, he is her world and she accepts him soup to nuts. Back to AGT - I have to also commend the young children and point out how good of sports the two of them were. Interesting that the youngest of competitors were cheering each other on and happy to see each other succeed while the older singers displayed ugly emotion toward each other.

But back to David. A friend asked me how I felt about him being on the show because he is Autistic. Of course all children with Autism are different but I can only imagine the sensory issues, the crowds, the noise, going to school on top of this, the schedule, and lack of routine must be incredibly challenging for him - moreso than other competitors. To which I wonder if this is really and truly fair to David and if this is really his dream - or is it his parent's dream? Are they trying to prove the point that Autism need not be a roadblock? Are they exploiting his Autism? If a typical child sang as he did, would they have gotten as far as David? Or, is playing the Autism card pulling him through?

To the above questions - well, I'd love to know what you think.

As for what I feel. Even if David doesn't win America's Got Talent he is most certainly a winner. David has got talent.

For more info:
http://davidmilitello.com/