Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘Autism wasn’t getting in the way of my dream’
Ciaran Roberts-Osterberg, 18, was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and as a student was sent to the music room by teachers to protect him from bullies.
It was there that his love of music started, and now the pianist, drummer and singer has been accepted at Berklee — the world’s premier music school in Boston, Massachusetts, which boasts 120 alumni who have won a combined 283 Grammy Awards.
Famous former students include John Mayer and Quincy Jones.
Ciaran, from Broughty Ferry, nearly died as a baby because of post urethral valves which went undiagnosed by doctors. Urine built up in his bladder which ruptured and turned septic.
He said: “I am over the moon. It has been my dream since I was 14 to do this.
“Even at school there were so many people, and even a few teachers, who told me they didn’t think it was possible.
“They said I would never be able to do it — I should get real and try to get a proper job.”
Mum Christina, 38, added Ciaran has sensory issues due to his condition — meaning that loud sounds can unsettle him.
But the former Grove Academy pupil was undeterred and wears ear protectors while he plays.
Ciaran also paid tribute to his mentor Gordon McNeill — who runs the Dundee Schools Jazz Collective — who he said “believed in his dream”.
Despite being accepted on to the course and winning a $13,000-a-year scholarship, Ciaran now has to raise funds to pay for the rest of his tuition by September — which stands at $70,000 a year
He said: “I will be starting on September 18 – if I can get all the funds together.
“I have come so far now, I don’t want a number getting between me and my dream. I hope that finances don’t get in the way.”
Ciaran said he hoped to be an inspiration for other local people to follow their dreams.
He added: “If an autistic boy from Dundee can realise his dream of being accepted into the world’s best music school, then anyone can do anything.”
Ciaran and Christina are set to hold events in the coming weeks to raise money for his tuition and have also set up an online donation page.
People who want to help Ciaran reach Berklee can visit gofundme. com/against-all-odds-accepted-to -uni.
AN autistic teenager — who is lucky to be alive after serious illness as a baby — is set to realise his dream after being accepted to study at the world’s premier music school.