A teenager with autism joins a national charity choir after speech delays

David, a 16-year-old from London, joined the BBC Children in Need choir to perform for a national fundraising event.

David was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age three and initially struggled with significant speech delays. His mother, Itohan, says he could not say "mummy" or "daddy" until he began attending sessions with the charity Enabling Independence at the age of eight. The charity provides one-to-one support through a youth club called Launchpad in Dagenham, east London.

This club offers a judgment-free space for people aged 11 to 18 with high-level special educational needs and disabilities. Through these sessions, David learned to form sentences and eventually discovered a passion for music and dance. Enabling Independence says the program helps children who might find mainstream youth clubs difficult to navigate. David now practices online with musical director Mark De-Lisser to prepare for a live performance in Salford, Greater Manchester.

He will perform a medley of songs by Myles Smith, Candi Staton, and Florence and the Machine. Emma Middleton from Enabling Independence says his participation provides an opportunity that may seem out of reach for many other children at the club.