Autistic child shines as piano prodigy

WESTPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- He may just be six years old, but he can already play like a rock star.

If you listen to six-year-old Ethan Walmark play the piano you can see he's no ordinary kindergartner.

He has an extraordinary talent, and an even more extraordinary story. Ethan is autistic.

"When he plays every disability disappears," said Allison Walmark, "it's just a joy to see"

Ethan's first piano performance was when he was just one-year-old.

"He actually started playing on kids piano, and we were in the kitchen and we heard Mary Had a Little Lamb and Twinkle Twinkle and we thought 'well gee that's odd,' and we thought it was on Sesame Street and we walk out and it was Ethan banging on the notes, and it was just pitch perfect," Walmark said.

He has since moved on to Elton John, the Beatles, Cold Play, Adele, Beethoven and Motzart, all by memory.

It wasn't until Ethan's mom uploaded a video of him to YouTube, playing Billy Joel's "The Piano Man," that Ethan went viral.

As of Wednesday, more than one million people throughout the world have watched him play that song.

Ethan has gained many fans, including his idol: Billy Joel.

"Billy Joel couldn't have been more respectful and more of a gentleman," said Walmark, "and he sent us a note, 'your son, he plays better than I do...'"

You can bet other big names will be getting in touch as his repertoire and impact expand.

Ethan's parents are trying to raise money for autism awareness, research and family support through a group called " Autism Speaks ." 

They're hoping people will be inspired by Ethan and donate to the organization.

You can find their fundraising page under the name The E-Team.

If you have a child with autism and are interested in learning more about music therapy check out realfamilies.com , or Applied Development Analysis Therapy in Fairfield, or the Harbor Light Foundation summer camp.