IT WAS a Valentine?s Day treat for four-year-old Paul Lewis from Tavistock when X-Factor star Rowetta sang him a song from the heart, writes Alison Stephenson. Paul, who has autism, has formed a bond with the singer who is a supporter of the charity which funded his revolutionary treatment. Rowetta spent Tuesday afternoon with Paul and his family to see how he was progressing on the Son-Rise Programme, which hails from America, and to promote the programme in the UK. The singer from Manchester, who shot to fame in 1994 after appearing on the popular TV talent show, became involved with the Caudwell Charity last year and was delighted to pay a home visit to one of the thousands of children it has helped. ?Paul is a beautiful child and I have learnt so much about autism from seeing him today,? she said. ?Not enough people know about autism and I if I can help raise awareness of the condition and the Caudwell Charity by being here today then that is great. I think all ?celebrities? should make home visits like this.? After years of not communicating, Paul now has a large vocabulary of words, gives eye contact and is interacting with his family and friends. His amazing turn around has resulted from several months on the Son-Rise Programme which uses dynamic, enthusiastic play-orientated methods focussing on socialisation and rapport building. A team of volunteers work with Paul, who attends Tavistock Primary School, in his purpose built playroom and he has received tremendous support financially from the local community. Rowetta, who sang Paul her own version of ?Somewhere Over the Rainbow?, has regular e-mails on Paul?s progress from his father Allan. Allan said he had received e-mails from people all over the UK who were aware of Rowetta?s visit: ?It is amazing the reaction it is creating and Rowetta being here will do so much good. ?I am a fan of her voice but she is also a very genuine person who wants to help people. ?Son-Rise has really worked for Paul. He used to choke when he tried to speak but now he will say your name and ask for things he wants ? he is communicating and that gives him a better chance in life. This is a very proud day for me.?
