A man with autism opening up communication with his mother in Mountain Home

I have really enjoyed working with a young adult man with autism.  He had some very limited communication when he was going to school, but has stopped any form of communication since leaving school. 

As part of music therapy, I have been having him indicate with gestures and signing yes what music he wants to do and/or what instruments he wants to play and wants me to play.  The more that I have been doing with him, the more he has been readily letting me know what he wants.

His mother told me, she has been doing the same thing, and has been very happy because he has been communicating with her.  I love how music therapy can open doors of communication. 

Music therapy with an adult with Autism

It is exciting showing people music therapy for the first time.  A lot of times people do not know what to expect.  I went and did an initial music therapy session recently with an adult with autism who lives with his mother.  The adult is nonverbal and has very little interaction with people.  When I got there the mother said she did not think that he would sit down.

When the music therapy started, not only did he sit down the entire time, but he played on instruments, followed directions in the music, frequently made eye contact with me, and even smiled when I did some "musical jokes."  It was fun to see and to work with him.  The mother commented how she thought he would have some interaction, but she was amazed at how much he did respond and interact.