AT just 19, Aston-Martin Avery has suffered enough medical dramas to last a lifetime.

From being diagnosed with autism at the age of two-and-a-half to overcoming an eating disorder, which led him to eat his clothes and toys, and getting a bowel disorder, the teenager from Pitsea has been through it all.

But thanks to drama, Aston-Martin is turning his life around and will this weekend star in the pantomime production of Cinderella as an ugly sister.

The teenager, of Fairleigh Avenue, Pitsea, began to get his life on track after enrolling at the La-Danse Fantastique, based at the Salvation Army Hall, Fauners, Basildon.

There he achieved a grade three pass in drama and dance from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. After two years hard work, he was not only rewarded in boosting his confidence, but also last month he picked up the Act of Courage and Overcoming Adversity category at the 2010 Celebration of Youth Awards held at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon.

He said: “It was very emotional getting the award, especially to stand up in front of so many people because I never expected it.

“I am so proud of the trophy I’ve put it up in the front room at home for everyone to see.

“Having my illness made me lack confidence and I was very shy around people, but since I started my college I don’t feel like that any more.

“I’ve gradually built up my courage. I can now stand up to sing in front of so many people.”

Aston-Martin’s autism began a catalogue of health problems, including the eating disorder pica, which involves consuming items not normally eaten.

Before turning five, he was also diagnosed with enterocolitis, causing inflammation of the large and small intestines, which left his bowels and internal muscles not working.

This led to him spending the next seven years going to Guys and St Thomas’ hospitals, in London, where he underwent a series of treatments and was eventually fitted with a colostomy bag before he turned 12.

The huge number of treatments took their toll and Aston-Martin began to suffer bouts of depression.

He became withdrawn and communicated rarely with his family, mum Dawn, 43, father Keith, 47, and brother Aaron, 21.

But with their support, he decided to follow his dream and go into acting, and he hasn’t looked back since. He said: “I would say to anyone who has autism to try to get involved in things like acting or singing.

“This should stop them being shy, so they can gain more confidence and look forward to the future. I wouldn’t mind becoming a singer or an actor, but we will see what happens when I finish my course.”

Dawn said: “Autism caused Aston-Martin to lack communication skills, so it was difficult for him to make eye contact with people at first, and because of this he only started talking when he was five years old.

“The side effects of having autism and pica resulted in him eating parts of his jumper while at nursery, and eating his way out a wooden cot, so we had to replace it with a metal one.

“The school and doctors have been fantastic throughout his life and have helped him overcome his lack of self-esteem and depression, especially when he had a colostomy.

“All his medical conditions are under control and we are glad he has fought his way through this.

“He has blossomed into such a wonderful young man.

“All his friends and family remain proud and honoured to be a part of his life.”

l Aston-Martin will star in the La-Danse Fantastique’s Christmas panto at James Hornsby High School, Leinster Road, Laindon, on Saturday and Sunday, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets cost £8.50. To book, call 07814 707641.