Student with autism wins student council spot with his speech and defies doctors’ predictions

When Daniel Brundidge, a fourth grader from Grey Cloud Elementary in Cottage Grove, finished his speech for student council, his classmates screamed with support. They knew how big the moment was for Daniel, who’s had to jump more hurdles than most in his short lifetime.

“ Early on, physicians told us because of his autism, we shouldn’t get our hopes up on his chances of living a normal life,” said Shawn Brundidge, Daniel’s dad.

“It’s a miracle,” said Sheletta Brundidge , Daniel’s mom. “We were told he would never talk or do any of the things he’s doing.” Brundidge recalls when Daniel was about five years old, he was not meeting milestones, was not able to make eye contact, was wearing a diaper and a bib because he couldn’t swallow his saliva. That’s why the call from Daniel to tell his mom the news was so impactful. Not only did Daniel win the student council spot, but his class also showed him incredible support after his speech.

“They drummed on their desks and they screamed for me!” Daniel told his mom during the call. “They screamed for you, how did that make you feel?” his mom asked. “That makes me feel happy,” Daniel replied. A video of the joyful call from Daniel, posted on Sheletta Brundidge’s X, formerly known as Twitter, account , has more than 20,000 views and counting. You can also catch a video of Daniel practicing his speech.

“It has been so exciting to see him grow and now take on this role as a student leader,” said Christine Bromen, Daniel’s fourth grade teacher. As a representative, Daniel will share student council news with other elementary classes, further developing his public speaking skills. “He is a testament to what a student can do when given the right support at school and home. True to Daniel, he took the win in stride and shied away from the extra attention and praise.”

“The kid is amazing,” said Shawn Brundidge. “He keeps blowing us away with what he can do. He was the only kid who memorized his speech and delivered it without note cards.”

Daniel’s parents say music has played a role in his growth. “Rhythmic accompaniment helped him learn and catapulted his reading and math,” added Shawn Brundidge. Daniel has even started taking piano lessons after he self-taught himself to play the jingle of his favorite cartoon.

“As a father, it is delightful to see what he can accomplish when he’s challenged,” Shawn Brundidge said. “He tries really hard to accomplish what is put before him. This is a kid that when you give him a word search puzzle, he won’t stop until he’s finished it.”

Sheletta and Shawn want their son’s story to serve as an example for other parents raising a child with an autism diagnosis. “Don't lose hope. Things can and will get better,” Sheletta Brundidge said. “Don’t limit them,” Shawn Brundidge added. “Just keep encouraging them and follow their lead.”