the essential
At the age of 12, William Boucher, suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD), went on stage for the first time and sang in Soual. A passion that transformed his life.
William Boucher, a 12-year-old autistic child, discovered a burning passion for singing after a simple karaoke evening. “It was incredible, ever since I’ve dreamed of going on stage,” confides William, with stars in his eyes. This magical moment at the Chinese restaurant opened a new world for the Castres, a world where he can express himself freely and without fear.
His mother, Christel Boucher, moved and proud, recounts this transformation: “He was a child who wanted to sing all the time.” To feed this passion, Christel asked a friend, Sandy, a singing teacher and leader of a musical group, to give William lessons. “There was a good connection between the two, it’s going very well,” explains Christel.
An incredible memory
Sandy, to reward his progress, promised him that he would sing with his group during the music festival in Soual. This dream will come true.
William has a remarkable capacity for memorization: “By listening to the music two or three times, he already knows it by heart,” says his mother. “When I sang on stage, it inspired me, it started to be great, I was able to let go,” says the young Castres, beaming with joy.
What’s even more touching is how singing has helped William: “When he sings, it channels him. Originally, William was a very reserved child, but music allowed him to gain confidence in him and to open up to others,” explains Christel. “At the beginning, I had a little stress and then, little by little, I was no longer afraid. When I sing, I no longer have the stress,” adds William.
“Happy for him”
William also had the opportunity to sing with the choir of his Jean Monnet college to celebrate the end of the school year, an experience which motivated him even more. “Her singing teacher at college is fabulous, full of kindness,” adds Christel.
Moved by her son’s progress, she wants to share her story to inspire other parents. “It makes me very happy and it makes me very proud. I see him happy, so I am happy,” she says. “I could never have believed that one day he would be capable of even letting go of my hand on stage.” She hopes to show that nothing is impossible.
William’s journey, supported by the love of his mother and the enthusiasm of his teachers, is great proof that passion and determination can transform lives. “It’s just singing,” he says modestly, but to those around him, it’s much more than that.
