He greets his customers with a smile and finds out their name before asking what they need and working out the money, with a little help from his mum.

I'm watching the 10-year-old in action and it's clear he has come a long way from the shy and distracted boy I met during his first appearance at the Slow Food Earth Market in October.

He spots me and doesn't hesitate to say hello and call me by my name. That's right, this clever kid has remembered my name and is asking me about my day.

His progress might seem like nothing out of the ordinary, but it's actually quite remarkable and an important milestone.

Charlie is on the autism spectrum and sees the world a little differently to most of us. He came to the market to gain some life experience and develop skills he can use in a future career. His dream is to become a farmer.

I've dropped into his stall, called Charlie's Chatter, for a special reason. Charlie was supposed to be showing off his skills to his classmates at Our Lady Of Lourdes Primary School, who had planned an excursion to see him in action and celebrate the earth market's third birthday.

Related: City's favourite food market turns three

But the threat of COVID-19 got in the way and the trip had to be cancelled. So, armed with an iPhone, I captured him in action and put a clip together for his classmates - and our readers - to enjoy.

I also had an extra surprise.

I called in our photographer Marina Neil and Charlie experienced a photo shoot and got up close and personal with all of the lighting equipment. He was outgoing and friendly and wanted to chat to Marina.

His mum Emily agrees her son has come a long way.

"We're very proud of him," she said.

A generous next-door neighbour, who has provided the land for the vegetable garden, has been instrumental in making this venture possible.

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The whole family - including dad Tim and siblings Monty and Annabel - all play a role in looking after the vegetable plants and harvesting the produce.

The plot, called Maitland Urban Farm, is at Bolwarra and has become a favourite for earth market shoppers.

Related: Life lessons in urban farming plot

"The market allows anyone who is interested in growing food to come and be part of it, and to feel good about what they do. We're giving people the opportunity to have the retail experience and see the benefit of the work they do," Slow Food Earth Market chairwoman Amorelle Dempster said.

"Everyone accepts Charlie, it's a very accepting community, and the producers treat him as an equal and the customers respond by buying what he grows and he feels valued - and he can see value in what he does.

"Charlie's parents have put so much time and effort into creating a safe environment for him, and something that he can be good at, and I think they deserve a lot of credit for that.

"They've given his future a lot of hope."

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