Curtain rises to a 'whole new world' for boy with autism

The Academy Award winning song, "A Whole New World," took on new meaning last weekend at a children's production of "Aladdin Junior" in Hanover Park.

While "Aladdin" tells of a young boy who finds a genie in a magic lamp, this local version unveiled a different kind of magic, one where another young boy -- diagnosed on the autism spectrum -- discovered his performance talents.

Finn Weiby, 6, of Bartlett, performed as a member of the children's chorus in the production, but his role took on added meaning.

"He turns out to be the star of whatever scene he's in," says Orion Couling, director. "One of the best things is the children's ensemble's ability to work with him."

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects social interactions, language development, and behavior. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe, though Finn's diagnosis is on the higher functioning end of the spectrum, his parents Michael and Dana say, allowing him to integrate into group settings with his peers more easily.

Specifically, he was diagnosed with hyperlexia, which means his reading ability far outpaces his speech and communication skills.

Finn attends a regular kindergarten class at Nature Ridge Elementary School in Bartlett, with the help of a classroom assistant, but his parents sought out more recreational activities to stimulate him.

"Finn has always been drawn to music and movement," Dana Weiby says. "Before he joined this theater group, he participated in piano, tap dancing, and yoga."

Couling began working with him last summer in a theater workshop, and his unusual abilities came to light.

Because of Finn's reading and memorization skills -- he has a near photogenic memory -- he turned out to be a natural actor, and Couling encouraged him to audition for "Aladdin."

"It's been a whole different world, working with him," says Couling, who also teaches gymnastics and tumbling at the center. "It's opened my eyes to working with more special needs kids and giving them the opportunity to perform."

Finn's parents say the benefits have been dramatic.

"One of the best benefits has been his interaction with the other kids," Dana Weiby adds. "It's really hard for Finn to relate to other kids or make friends. But here is a group that shares a common interest and is so willing to work with his differences, and let him be a part of the group."

She concedes, that because of his diagnosis, his rehearsals varied. There were times when he practiced himself, in front of a mirror. Other times, when rehearsals got too loud, and he became overwhelmed with sensory input, he had to leave the stage to regroup.

"That being said, he does extremely well when it's his turn to perform," his mother adds. "He loves to sing and dance in front of an audience."

He loves it so much, that at times during the show, when a scene called for a duet, Finn impulsively joined them on stage, turning the song into a trio.

When Couling first saw this, he decided to keep it in.

"Let's go with it," he said. "It looks good."

Couling and his children's theater company already are in rehearsals for the "Nightmare Before Christmas," playing Dec. 14 and 15 at Gymkhana in Hanover Park. But he plans to reach out to more special needs children, in expanded theater offerings, early next year.