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AJ and Cameron Cornell are the creators of Let Me Fly, a live stage musical that follows the journey of Sam, a nonverbal autistic child, and his family. In the show, actors sing, act, and tell a story that’s deeply personal to the Cornells because they’ve lived it.

Their story centers on how Sam learns to communicate using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. That’s a fancy way of saying a touch-screen device, like an iPad, with pictures and buttons that help nonverbal people say what’s in their head. “It’s the bridge between what they know and what others can’t hear,” Cameron explained.

How Sam Communicates in Let Me Fly

As Sam begins to find his voice through the AAC, he also starts to build stronger bonds with his parents, George and Emma. Through heartfelt songs and dialogue, the audience sees the highs, lows, and powerful breakthroughs that happen when a child is finally understood.

AJ and Cameron began writing the musical in late 2023 and have already held two local workshop performances to gather feedback and refine the story. These were test runs — opportunities to see which parts of the story connect with people and which parts need improvement before a full production.

AJ, who is herself autistic, said this project is not just about awareness, it’s about truth-telling. She wasn’t diagnosed until she was 26. “I spent my whole school life feeling like something was off, but no one knew what,” she shared. Diagnosis as an adult was a long and expensive road one that most insurance companies won’t even cover.

Breaking Stereotypes

The couple also wanted to show how autism often looks different from the stereotypes. Cameron, who is not autistic but is a dad and husband to people who are, admitted he had to “unlearn a lot of bad ideas” about autism, the kind that come from media or misunderstanding. Writing this show helped him see autism with more clarity and compassion.

More than anything, the Cornells want Let Me Fly to help people see the full humanity of autistic people and their families. They want the audience to walk away feeling moved, informed, and more open-hearted. As Cameron put it, “Life is messy, but that’s where beauty lives.”

Currently, they’re sharing scripts and songs with theaters and festivals nationwide. They hope to launch a full live production in Champaign by next year, featuring real actors, real music, and a message that resonates with the audience.

Supporting Families in Chicago, IL

At Illinois Autism Center, we want to honor what AJ and Cameron are doing. Sharing a story like this — through music, emotion, and the real experience of raising and living with autism — takes courage. It also provides others with a powerful way to understand what many families experience, especially when communication is a daily challenge.

We know not every family will write a musical, but every parent has a story. And many of those stories involve figuring out how to help your child feel seen, heard, and supported. If you’re on that journey — whether you’re just starting out or navigating a new phase, we’re here to walk beside you. From helping you find resources to connect you with support options, you’re not alone.