Favorite Music
Some people enjoy listening to music to sooth frayed nerves or to simply add a measure of peace and calm to their day. As a music therapist, I’m often asked to help find listening music for individuals with autism. But background music doesn’t work magic in every situation. Every person has their preferences in music, and sometimes our friends with autism have surprising favorites.
or
continue reading
1. Favorite music. Maybe one person prefers quiet, peaceful classical music or “easy listening” tunes or soft jazz to sooth frayed nerves, but another person may relax best when listening to the pulsing rhythms of rock and roll or bluegrass. Sometimes we are surprised when teens like classical music. Some older adults like hard rock. Some toddlers choose jazz over “little kid songs.” When putting together music for free time listening or bedtime, scout out the favorite music of your friend with autism. What style, era, instrumentation, lyrics, beat, and mix do they like? Give them lots of choices – you may be surprised!
2. Live music vs recorded music. Some people do not seem to notice or respond to recorded music. It is almost as if recorded music just fades into the background with the rest of the sounds swirling around all of us, and particularly around an individual with autism. But folks really sit up and take notice when they have the multi-sensory experience of hearing AND seeing live music. For example, some friends who do not seem to be focusing on music are intrigued when a real person sings and plays guitar. I have a great photo of one youngster who usually seemed lost in his world of stimming and mumbling repetitive phrases. When an adult friend with Asperger’s started playing the piano and singing a song, the inattentive youngster jumped to his feet and watched intently until the song was over.
3. Active music making. Some of my friends with autism appear to tune into the world around them only when they are actively engaged in making music. They might enjoy playing piano or guitar or flute. They may like playing percussion along with their favorite CD. Some enjoy singing in a microphone along with their friends or with a music video. Music offers so many different ways to participate, and I’ve not met a person yet who didn’t eventually join in, making their own kind of music.
We welcome your experiences or ideas about music in the lives of your friends with autism. Just click on the comments button or send an e-mail to talk@FAQautism.com.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
BlogMarks
Furl
Newsvine
Rojo
Email This to a Friend
If you like this then please subscribe to the 
Subscribe to FAQautism.com Podcast
Contact us: Talk@faqautism.com
September 22nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
When Richard was 6 to 9, he wouldn’t go to bed until he heard(didn’t have to watch just hear) Fantasia. Even when we didn’t spend the night at home neither he had to hear it or was up most the night crying. I’m so glad he outgrew that.