Orchestra gives man with autism a sense of belonging
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Cameron Jacobs, a 20-year-old from Salisbury, Wiltshire, found acceptance and community when he joined Orchestras for All seven years ago.
Jacobs, who has autism, ADHD, and Tourette's, had previously struggled to find a musical group that accommodated his needs and faced rejection from schools and clubs. His mother, Polly, described the orchestra as a place that welcomed him for who he is.
Joining the orchestra allowed Jacobs to express himself through music, which he describes as another language for communicating with audiences. He has since gained confidence and developed leadership skills as an ambassador for the organization, supporting other young people in their musical and personal development. Beyond music, Jacobs achieved a Guinness World Record in 2025 by becoming the youngest person, at age 18, to run the London Marathon barefoot, raising money for Orchestras for All.
A video of him celebrating his mother after the race became popular online. He now hopes to pursue a career in community music or music education. Orchestras for All will perform a free concert in Salisbury on Saturday at 18:30 BST.
