A teenager with severe autism has amazed his family by breaking 14 years of silence thanks to computer technology.

Rajesh Prasher hasn't been able to speak since he was five, but thanks to a simple but controversial technique imported from America he has written down his thoughts for all to see - including huge swathes of text from Shakespeare's plays.

It is believed to be the first time the technique has been used in Bradford to help someone communicate.

And according to the teachers who have spent years coaching him to adapt to using the technology, Rajesh has real degree potential.

Rajesh's sister Priya, 24, of Wyndham Avenue, Bradford, says the breakthrough is thanks to the patient coaching in Facilitated Communication Training at Haycliffe Special School in Bradford.

Thanks to this method, in which Rajesh's arms are partially supported while typing, the teenager has battled to control his shaking limbs and found an outlet for his creativity. Teacher Jim McDonald said: "We have someone here with degree level potential. He has been a delight to work with. He has all these rituals and people would see that and think he was absolutely bonkers, but they can't see the other side of him."

Rajesh developed 'late-onset autism' at the age of five, before which he talked and behaved normally.

His condition can lead him to behave bizarrely - like intense studying of the Bradford Yellow Pages and a refusal to walk over doormats, in case there are holes in the ground.

But typed exchanges with his teachers have revealed a detailed knowledge of current affairs, including stunning them by recognising a photo of US diplomat Madeleine Allbright.

And he described the feelings of terrified refugees in Kosovo and typed out passages of Shakespeare from memory.

"Certain people have brought out the best in him," said Priya.

But she knows some people will question whether he is able to write the text himself.

"People who know my brother know it's true. These thoughts are unique to him, that's why you know he's written it. He's very sharp - you have to pinch yourself sometimes. You see glimpses of it."

Priya believes the technique has even helped him type spontaneously on occasions.

"It was a big surprise to us at first," she said. "We feel guilty, because we know he has got this talent, but none of us has the time to develop it. It takes hours and hours of work to get anything intellectual out of him."

And at one stage, Rajesh was almost expelled by the school because of his disruptive behaviour. But the family pleaded for him to stay on.

"Once he started having these computer lessons, he wasn't perfect, but he did calm down," Priya said.

Tanya Linney, of the Bradford and District Autism Support Group, said she was not aware of anyone in Bradford apart from Rajesh who has tried FCT therapy.

"I would advise people to read up on it and be their own judge. As parents, we all try different methods of reaching our children that mainstream medicine or education have pooh-poohed. New approaches to dealing with autism usually come from America."

And the family are grateful to the school for going the extra mile - Wilf Parkin, a support assistant, was allocated to work with him on a one-to-one basis.

Now they are hoping Rajesh may be able to go to college to progress further.

A Bradford Council social services spokesman said: "Rajesh has been assessed, and will be able to attend a day centre which meets his complex needs in the next four to six weeks."

Mr McDonald aims to carry out research into the benefits of FCT and would like to hear from the families of other people with late onset autism or Landau Klefner Syndrome. Contact him on 01943 877272.

Email: sarah.walsh@bradford.newsquest.co.ukends

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