A MAN living with autism has found his voice after joining a local rock band.

Taurean Bailey, 29, from Brighton, has always found it challenging to communicate with others.

He normally speaks very little, and has limited vocabulary. The singer depends on communication cards and key words to express himself. However, Taurean was able to step out of his shell after joining a band, called Fuzzbomb Flash, as a singer and keyboard player. He now performs at the monthly Rock House concerts in Brighton. Taurean lives in a care home, Arden House, which looks after people with complex needs.

Taurean said: “I was in the Flash Rockers band, and now I am part of Fuzzbomb Flash. I like to sing and play keyboards.”

Manager Chris Woolgar said: “Having the courage to get up on a stage and sing your heart out in front of a crowd of people is tough for anybody.

“But, for Taurean, who doesn’t talk very much and typically only uses key words to communicate, it’s amazing to hear him singing so fluently at the Rock House gigs.

“We are incredibly proud of him.

“He really does seem to have found his niche in singing.

“He’s always singing or humming along to tunes around the house and wearing his shades.”

Taurean’s band is organised by Carousel, an organisation that supports artists with learning difficulties to develop and achieve their artistic ambitions.

His favourite singer is Mariah Carey. Arden staff members also support Taurean to perform at gigs. His upcoming one is at the Carousel in Queen’s Road.

He has also performed at the Blue Camel Club and The Green Door, both in Brighton. The singer is putting an album together with the band at Brighton Electric Studios.

Mr Woolgar said Taurean loves his music, and he enjoys meeting new people. He adds he is very proud of him.

He said: “Being able to meet regularly with friends and make music is very important to Taurean. It has helped build his confidence and his ability to focus. We feel so blessed that Brighton can offer him such an amazing space that helps break down barriers for musicians with and without learning disabilities to play together.”