Dalton Foreaker, 5, right, of Cranberry Township, shown with his mother Casey and brother Jayden, 3, will be a special guest of his favorite band, fun., during a performance Thursday at Stage AE in Pittsburgh. Dalton, who has autism, got the band's attention when he performed one of its songs during a recent talent show.

CRANBERRY TWP — Five-year-old Dalton Foreaker's autism normally makes verbal communication challenging and often frustrating for him.

But thanks to his mother Casey's lifelong love of music, Dalton has attracted the attention of one of the country's top bands.

His mother explained Dalton likes the song “Some Nights” by the band fun. and could say full sentences when singing the song.

So when his school, Hope Learning Center in Wexford, decided to have a talent show, she knew Dalton could rock the audience with his rendition of the popular song.

“I had to do a lot of bribing,” said Foreaker.

But she talked Dalton into performing the song, complete with the moves of lead singer Nate Ruess at the talent show this month at St. Alphonsus Catholic School in Wexford.

Foreaker recorded the triumphant performance and posted it on YouTube. She also shared the video on the fun. website with a message.

“I said 'He's really not verbal, but he belted out this song,'” Foreaker said. “A few days later I got a message on Facebook from the band manager.”

“Your post and the video reinforced how wonderful music can be,” read the note from band manager Dalton Simms. “It blows me away when I see how music can reach people, especially when the music is one of the artists I am lucky enough to work with every day.”

Foreaker was stunned she received a response from the band, whose “We Are Young” won the Song of the Year Grammy this year. The group also won the Grammy in the Best New Artist category.

“I think it was so great that he took the time out to actually watch this video and recognize how much it means to Dalton to sing sentences and not just single words,” she said.

Simms assured Foreaker that he is “sure the band will be touched by this video as well,” and asked her if he could send Dalton anything. He also offered to host the family, which also includes father Robert and younger brother Jayden, to the band's show at Stage AE in Pittsburgh Thursday.

“We would love to have you,” Simms wrote.

Knowing Dalton would have the time of his life at the show, Foreaker immediately responded to Simms with a “yes” to the concert.

“We're going to the concert as their special guests,” Foreaker said. “My son lacks communication skills, but singing this song brings out a whole new child.”

She called having a child with autism “a roller-coaster ride,” and looks forward to seeing Dalton's elated face as he sings along with his favorite band at Stage AE.

She doesn't know if Dalton will have the opportunity to meet the band members, but regardless, she knows it will be a unique and thrilling experience for the whole family.

“It still seems surreal,” she said.