Nonverbal teen with autism expresses himself through song

An 18-year-old from White Plains is a living example that you don't have to be able to talk to be able to express yourself.

News 12 Staff

Jun 13, 2019, 10:37 PM

Updated 1,791 days ago

Share:

An 18-year-old from White Plains is a living example that you don't have to be able to talk to be able to express yourself.
Ethan Donn lives with autism and is nonverbal, yet his singing voice is so powerful that he's taking his show on the road.
The White Plains High School senior is part of the school’s chorus, orchestra and mariachi band.  His talent has landed him a performance at a Westchester Knicks game, but on Sunday he is set to sing at a New York Mets game at Citi Field.
"It's nice to see him perform and especially on Father's Day, it means a little bit more to me,” says his father, Jeff Donn.
He says securing the seventh inning song wasn’t easy and took a lot of emailing and calls back and forth.
Donn also sang for the Mets last year.
"I often say Ethan may have autism, but autism doesn't have Ethan,” says his father. "This is how he is able to be himself, this is how he is able to shine."


More from News 12
2:56
VOTE 2024: Latimer makes his case for 16th Congressional District seat

VOTE 2024: Latimer makes his case for 16th Congressional District seat

1:42
Scattered showers throughout the weekend; cooler temps ahead

Scattered showers throughout the weekend; cooler temps ahead

0:32
Yorktown holds Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony

Yorktown holds Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony

0:45
Nurses honored by City of Yonkers for dedication to patients, commitment to job

Nurses honored by City of Yonkers for dedication to patients, commitment to job

0:49
Ribbon-cutting held for new aquatic inspired mural at JFK Marina in Yonkers

Ribbon-cutting held for new aquatic inspired mural at JFK Marina in Yonkers

1:42
Yonkers City Council to vote on extending red light camera program

Yonkers City Council to vote on extending red light camera program

2:02
Day laborers banned from seeking work in parking lot of New Rochelle Home Depot protest

Day laborers banned from seeking work in parking lot of New Rochelle Home Depot protest

1:40
Opening statements begin in Town of Wallkill murder-for-hire trial

Opening statements begin in Town of Wallkill murder-for-hire trial

1:58
4 teens face hate crime charges in Ramapo, accused of antisemitic drive-by harassment

4 teens face hate crime charges in Ramapo, accused of antisemitic drive-by harassment

1:10
Parents, NYCLU rally in Albany to demand changes in E. Ramapo schools

Parents, NYCLU rally in Albany to demand changes in E. Ramapo schools

0:27
Rye police: Car burglary highlights need to lock vehicles

Rye police: Car burglary highlights need to lock vehicles

0:48
Rockland community unites to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

Rockland community unites to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

1:46
Fire officials: Fatal Ossining fire doesn't appear to be suspicious

Fire officials: Fatal Ossining fire doesn't appear to be suspicious

0:30
‘We are heartbroken.’ Loved ones search for answers in case of missing New Paltz woman

‘We are heartbroken.’ Loved ones search for answers in case of missing New Paltz woman

0:19
Rabies alert issued in Sullivan County after fox tests positive

Rabies alert issued in Sullivan County after fox tests positive

1:14
Headlines: Woman stabbed in White Plains, fatal crash on I-84, body of missing guardsman found

Headlines: Woman stabbed in White Plains, fatal crash on I-84, body of missing guardsman found

0:40
New York honors fallen police officers with memorial wall dedication

New York honors fallen police officers with memorial wall dedication

0:28
Trial of Wallkill man suspected of hiring someone to kill his neighbor begins today

Trial of Wallkill man suspected of hiring someone to kill his neighbor begins today

0:32
SUNY Purchase agrees to suspend disciplinary consequences for protester arrested during campus demonstrations

SUNY Purchase agrees to suspend disciplinary consequences for protester arrested during campus demonstrations

0:38
Local thrift store hits $4 million in charitable giving to Northern Westchester hospital

Local thrift store hits $4 million in charitable giving to Northern Westchester hospital