AN AUTISTIC teenager with a rare disorder that causes her to see auras will sing at a fundraiser in aid of the service that supported her through her diagnosis struggle.

  • Correction: The event is on Thursday, May 26, not May 6 as stated in Tuesday's The Northern Echo.

Keen singer Alice Jordan, 16, will perform at the charity karaoke night which is being held to say thank you to Durham County Carers Support (DCCS) who were by her family's side in their battle to identify the condition.

She has come a long way since the age of 11 when her visions of auras, germs, shadow people, and electricity were established to be a result of sensory processing disorder (SPD).

The Northern Echo: SING: Alice Jordan, 16, will perform at a karaoke night in aid of the service which supported her battle to diagnose her rare disorder. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
SING: Alice Jordan, 16, will perform at a karaoke night in aid of the service which supported her battle to diagnose her rare disorder. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Until then her mother Catherine Jordan had fought for medical recognition of her daughter's experiences - with the support of DCCS alongside.

"Before she got diagnosed, DCCS was just somebody to talk to," said Mrs Jordan, 44.

"I came away thinking somebody believes me as nobody else would.

"They helped me a lot and I would go to parents' groups and talk to people who are in the position I'm in now."

It was as a result of Alice's difficulties in mainstream school that led to the family to seek answers.

"She was bottom of the class but there were people who were diagnosed with ADHD who were being helped," added Mrs Jordan, of Coundon, near Bishop Auckland.

"They had it down to my parenting skills but I had one child (Alice's sister Emma) that was alright."

At the time of her diagnosis, Alice was also found to have autism, dyslexia and synesthesia - where the senses become "mixed up".

She was moved to Hope Wood Academy, a special needs school in Easington, where she has been able to pursue her love of performing.

"They've been fabulous with her," said proud Mrs Jordan. "She sang at the Sage Gateshead and took part in a play at the Northern Stage, in Newcastle."

The teen also made the cut in Autism's Got Talent in 2014 when she sang at The Mermaid Theatre, in London, in front of a 500-strong audience.

Undeterred by her condition, Alice is set to grace the stage at The Durham Ox, Coundon, later this month where she has attended karaoke nights since the age of 12.

Alice said: "I'd rather be different than normal - I don't know any different."

Anyone is welcome at the fundraiser which will take place on Thursday, May 26, from 8pm to midnight.

For more information call Mrs Jordan on 07709663184.