Autistic Superstars

In the first episode of a two-part series combining insightful documentary with a highly-produced event, presenter Reggie Yates seeks out a cast of talented young people with autism to perform at a major music event he is planning to host in London. As we meet each new member of the line up, we take a journey into the autistic mind, learning what it is like to live with this complex condition. We also meet the parents and families, discovering more about the challenges of caring for an autistic child. 23-year-old Carly has an exceptional singing voice but the social difficulties she has leave her in a perpetual state of anxiety. She is liable to fly off the handle at a moment's notice, which makes rehearsals a real challenge. 18-year-old Martin also has an extraordinary voice, but his autism is so severe that he is almost completely non-verbal, except for when he is singing. Vocal coach Jo Price has her work cut out with these seemingly unteachable students. Also performing is an incredible 11-year-old drummer, a guitarist with a passion for the blues and a young artist who illustrates the concert as it happens. Those that Reggie finds are undoubtedly gifted, but their autism means that their lives run like clockwork. Breaking these tight routines for a rigorous schedule of coaching and rehearsals is no mean feat. Added to this his proteges all have difficulties with communication, taking instruction, anxiety levels and even occasional aggression. As the date draws near, Reggie starts to wonder whether his cast of performers will ever be ready for their big night.

In the second of a two-part series combining insightful documentary with a highly-produced event, presenter Reggie Yates continues his quest to cast a group of talented young people with autism to perform at a major music event he is planning to host in London. In preparing them for the most important night of their lives, Reggie takes a journey into the autistic mind. His proteges all have bags of raw talent, but their difficulties with communication, taking instruction and anxiety levels make preparing them for this event one of the biggest challenges of his career. The day of the event arrives. Some of those on stage are seasoned professionals such as the pianist Derek Paravicini, but most are young people with very little performing experience who are nonetheless extraordinary talents. 18-year-old Martin has a special voice, but his autism is so severe that he is almost completely non-verbal, except for when he sings. Will newly-discovered 23-year-old Carly, who has autism and is one powerful diva, nail Duffy's Mercy? Will Martin hit those high-pitched notes? Could a new star be born? The film combines a stylized, entertaining event with engaging backstage documentary drama, flashing back occasionally to the lives of the unique line up. The challenges, high and lows that this experience has brought them, their families and carers are all shown, and we revisit what it is like to live with this complex condition, seeing their lives in stark contrast to the lights and glitter of the main event.