Inspiring Ieuan is up for an award

Ieuan, 17 who lives with autism and moderate learning difficulties was nominated for Nottinghamshire County Council’s 4uth award after he progressed from being terrified of music to being able to perform onstage at Nottingham playhouse.

Ieuan of Loundhouse Close joined Mansfield Youth Link, which is part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Disability Support Team when he was 13 years old.

His condition has a significant impact on how he sees and interprets the world around him and his everyday life.

Living with autism also means that he finds it very difficult and a challenge to be part of a group.

The activities there helped him to progress and gave him confidence to deal with his disability, eventually joining the dance group.

Ieuan developed his skills and confidence so much he decided to take part in Showcase and will be performing at Episodes at Nottingham Playhouse.

His dad Ian, 42, said: “We are so proud of him for being nominated.

The progress he has made since he was a baby has been fantastic.

He joined Mansfield Youth Link and they have helped him with so many skills.

“He never used to like music or dancing, but now it is a big part of his life. His communication and speech has come on and he has a social life now.”

He was nominated for the award by youth worker Andrea Spink.