A young girl from Ewell who suffers from severe autism has begun to speak, swim and even giggle - thanks to an American educational system.

Until recently eight-year-old Georgia Partridge from West Ewell lived in a world of silence.

Despite frequent attempts by her parents Sue and Craig to make a breakthrough, Georgia's vocabulary remained limited and she shied away from interacting with others.

But a trip to the US and an introduction to the Son Rise therapy and learning programme changed everything.

"It is something that we could only dream about a year ago," Mrs Partridge said. "She is saying mum and dad, and using the words in context. She has even started to swim.

"Yesterday she swam to me and said mummy' and gave me a kiss and hug, which I was over the moon about.

"She was acting so with us' that a lady in the pool made a comment as to how they start swimming just a little and then you can't hold them back thinking Georgia was just a normal' little girl - we felt so proud."

Georgia has been home-taught using the Son Rise programme since 2005 and with the stimulus from her family and a team of volunteers can understand and say approximately 15 words.

The programme was originally developed by the parents of Raun Kaufman, who was diagnosed with severe autism at 18 months.

Horrified by health professionals' recommendation that their son needed to be institutionalised, his parents set about developing their own home-based teaching programme.

They worked with him seven days a week, 12 hours a day, and after three years he was able to attend school.

Mrs Partridge hopes Georgia will enjoy the same success, and is now calling for more energetic volunteers to help her on her journey.

Although no experience is required, volunteers must be able to commit to at least four hours a week and live locally.

For more information e-mail c.partridge2@ntlworld.com or call 020 8224 3199.