MIRACLE OF THE LOST VOICE BOY

Inside speechless Jonathan Bryan’s severely disabled little body lies a brilliant intellect. He eventually learnt to communicate aged eight and has just brought out his autobiography

minister responsible for Special Educational Needs. Last year, he was awarded a Diana Legacy Award, presented by Prince Harry. “When we chatted he got down on his knee so he could see the spelling board and me using it,” Jonathan tells me. “It is unusual for people to do that when I meet them and demonstrates an ability to relate to people.”

Jonathan has also made a video – with a voiceover he has written – in which he shares his challenges.

“There is more to me than the body I am trapped in,” he explains candidly. “Outwardly I looked vacantly stupid. Inwardly I was lost in my own thoughts. I am here to dispel the assumption that nonverbal children are incapable of learning to read and write.”

When he entered the educational system, Jonathan was enrolled at a special school. Although he adored his teacher he says: “Can you imagine being stuck in a reception class year after year?”

Aged eight, Jonathan was taken out of school for an hour a day to be taught by his mother to read, write and do basic maths. “My access to learning was found,” he explains of his mother’s growing conviction that her physically challenged son had a rich inner world.

At the age of nine he left special school and joined his peers at his local state primary. “Being able to read and write has totally transformed my life,” he says.

Now Jonathan can communicate exactly what he wants to say, his relationships have been expanded and he can hold conversations with friends and family, including his sisters, Jemima, nine, and Susannah, six.

“There is new life in my free time, but my story of learning to read and write should not be unique,” insists the boy who likes to bake chocolate brownies – sitting on his mother’s lap, as she helps him to coordinate his floppy limbs. He aims to make 150 for his book launch this week.

“Cracking the eggs has taken years to master and involves all his concentration,” says Chantal.

Although his life is not likely to be long, due the demands on his body, he insists that he is full of joy for what lies beyond, having had several near-death experiences.

“As a family we all believe in Heaven, but we are not quite so excited about it as Jonathan,” smiles Chantal. “Sometimes he can’t hold in his excitement which is understandable as he lives in a very disabled body and in those moments has tasted what it is like to talk and to run.

“He’s a very strong person in the middle of our family and we all love having him.”

Eye Can Write: A Memoir Of A Child’s Silent Soul Emerging by Jonathan Bryan is published by Bonnier Publishing, £12.99. To order a copy call The Express Bookshop with your credit/debit card details on 01872 562310. Alternatively send a cheque with your details to Jonathan Bryan Offer, PO Box 200 Falmouth TR11 4WJ or online at expressbookshop. co.uk UK delivery is free