Asperger’s sufferer and X’ Factor competitor Scot faced fears to wow judges- despite claims he may not cope with the strain

With the trials and tribulations of the X Factor once more taking the UK by storm, media attention has turned from the judges (no visible signs of confrontation between Louis and Simon or Danni and Cheryl, and there’s only so much one can debate those high-waisted trousers) to the contestants. In the wake of Susan Boyle’s breakdown, will this season’s X Factor be a repeat of the Britain’s Got Talent fiasco?

The main candidate in question is a 21 year old Asperger’s sufferer who blew the judges away with his soulful rendition of ‘You Raise Me Up’.Scott James\’ X Factor audition

It was proud parents Mike and Linzi who convinced their son- X Factor contestant Scott James- to perform in local working men’s clubs, paving the road to stardom for the 21 year old, who told judges he didn’t leave home for seven years as his condition made it difficult for him to socialise.

However, he was picked from hundreds, with his voice stunning X Factor judges and the audience alike. While the show’s production company Talkback Thames has introduced new guidelines and on-set psychologists in an attempt to give contestants extra support- as one of the final 50 the next few weeks may prove trying for Scott, with fears the talented youngster will face a similar ordeal to that of singing sensation Susan Boyle.

For the first time, full psychological appraisals will be undertaken on the final 24 contestants, yet judge Louis Walsh admitted in an interview with Radio Times last week that he did not believe some contestants such as Scott would be able to take the strain of appearing. “I don’t think they can, if I’m honest,” he said. “People don’t realise the pressure that these acts are under, especially when they’re competing with everybody else backstage. It’s a very difficult show to do, even as a judge.

“It’s very gruelling, and it’s 10 weeks of very intense performance. Everything you say and do is being watched. It’s a massive reality check for some people.”

However, Walsh did follow these comments by saying it must be the contestants own choice to take part.
It’s a feeling Matt Simpson, Project Manager for the Daisy Chain Project (a unique charity established to address the needs of both children with autism and their families), echoes. The charity operates from a farm in Stockton-On-Tees, Scott’s home town, and Matt disagrees with claims Scott should not be allowed to participate further in the competition.

Talking exclusively to our blog, Matt said:

“Asperger’s syndrome is a milder form of autism, and while Scott may have difficulty with communication and has reportedly left his home few times in the past, these conditions tend to improve as sufferers get older. The pressures of X Factor will, I’m sure, affect all candidates, and Scott should not be singled out, nor is it unfair to allow him to continue on the show. Scott felt confident enough to audition in front of over 2,000 people and clearly has a very supportive family behind him should the going get tough. We at Daisy Chain wish him all the best- we’re sure Scott James will go far.”

Daisy Chain has received over £83,000 to date in unrestricted support from the People’s Postcode Lottery.