A mother has heard her autistic five-year-old son say 'mum' for the first time after he took part in an innovative training programme in America.

And the power of speech is just one of the extraordinary developments made by Jude Barker during the trip to the Son-Rise Institute in Massachusetts.

The youngster has severe autism which was diagnosed at the age of two. Prior to the trip he could not talk and lived life in his own little bubble.

He didn't play with other children and became easily upset if he found places too noisy or busy.

But after taking part in The Son-Rise programme, a unique treatment for children and adults with autism only available in America, he is like a different child.

As well as beginning to communicate, his attention span is longer and he is showing interest in playing with his younger brother Theo, three.

For his mum Jemma, 26, of Great Horton, it has been a life-changing experience.

"He is like a different child," she said. "He is calmer and more content and is not as locked away' as he was. There is still a long way to go but we have started now. I am set up for my son's future and I feel so happy."

The single mother-of-two launched a £10,000 fundraising appeal two and a half years ago after finding out about the programme and vowing to do everything she could to enable her son to take part and reach his full potential.

The people of Bradford got behind the campaign after reading about Jude in the Telegraph & Argus. Thanks to the generosity of many local organisations and individuals, Jemma, Jude and family friend Jo Stott set off for America on Saturday, April 26, for the week-long intensive programme.

Every day from 9am until 5pm staff from the institute worked with Jude in a play room, while Jemma and Jo were taught about the programme and how to train and recruit volunteers to help with the therapy back home.

Jemma also benefited from counselling. "For the first time ever I could really open up," she said. "I cried and cried but now I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

In the first few days Jude had seven to eight words. Now he has around 50 and is learning new words all the time.

"He doesn't say mummy' but mum'," said Jemma. "To hear him say that was all I wanted.

"I thought his voice would be deeper but it is quite high- pitched - a cute little voice.

"Jude and Theo are now playing alongside each other, which is a massive thing, and he is initiating games, which is amazing for a child with autism. At school he is playing with kids and wanting to make friends."

The system works by teaching parents and carers how to implement and maintain a one-on-one home-based, child-centred programme. It teaches the child socialisation and communication through interactive play.

People from 66 countries in the world have travelled to Mass-achusetts to take part, with amazing successes.

Jemma said: "There is nothing like it in this country. Here it is all about controlling the child and restraining them and everyone is so stressed.

"There we were taught to open our minds and be willing to do anything Jude wanted to do. You have to have so much energy and love. It is typical American but it works.

"I am a single parent with two kids and if I can do it anyone can.

"If it wasn't for the fundraising I would not have got there. So many people have had a role to play in helping my little boy.

"My family and friends have been fantastic and a huge thank-you goes to all the fundraisers."

Jemma is now looking for volunteers to help her maintain the therapy programme at home, which will be delivered in a special playroom at the family's house in Great Horton.

"I need people who can offer around two to four hours a week and help Jude work towards his goals," said Jemma.

On Thursday Jemma is holding start-up event for potential volunteers where people can find out more. "People just need to be open-minded, fun, happy people who want the best for Jude," she said.

If you are interested in volunteering contact Jemma at diamond.no.1@hotmail.co.uk or call 07856 912223.

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here