Music therapy gives unique connection for a young adult with autism

I am working with a young woman with autism who recently became an aunt again.  Her little nephew (2 months old) was with us in our last session.  The young woman talks only rarely, but will sing if I give her prompts.  Lately I have been working with her doing improvisational song writing.  We make up a song about anything and she smiles as she sings our simple made up song.  This time we did a song about her baby nephew.  She got the pattern of the song and sang more than I have heard her sing during this intervention.  The most exciting thing was to watch her look at her nephew and she sang with more tenderness than I have ever heard.  This is the first time I have seen her even look at her nephew.  It was a sweet experience to see.

A Boy with Autism Finds a Musical Voice

Music allows people to find success.  I work with a young boy who has autism.  He speaks almost exclusively in eccholalia.  He will only repeat what you say when you ask a question, or he will say the same phrase over and over without meaning.  During a recent session I picked up a small xylophone toy he has.  It only has 6 notes on it.  I played a short pattern, and shockingly he played the same notes and rhythm I had just played!  I was surprised.  I then played the first 8 notes of Twinkle, Twinkle, Litte Star and was astounded when he played the next 8 eight notes in the song!  The musical ability he displayed in that moment is extraordinary for any child.  Without me showing him how or giving any direction he was able to figure out the remaining melody of a song and play it note perfect.  I credit music with the ability to give him the opportunity to connect in a meaningful way.  It opens those windows to the soul that show how extraodinary the people I work with can be.