FAQautism

As some of my friends with autism grow into teens and young adults, they cling to favorite pre-school songs with all their might, an obsession that can keep them from enjoying new music. How can we help expand their interests and horizons?

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Although some individuals with autism are flexible, others tend to obsessively hang on to what is familiar. Here are a few strategies that have worked for families, teachers, and therapists interested in helping their friends with autism move forward and expand on their repertoire of, for example, three irritating, pre-school songs.

It is so tempting to park our toddlers in front of the television to watch kiddie shows or to watch their favorite DVD over and over. Most of this pre-school entertainment features music that can get very irritating when played repetitively, day after day. I realize that the old familiar music can help calm agitation and frustration, and that sometimes we must do whatever we can to bring a bit of calm into the household or classroom. But keep in mind that youngsters with autism may well latch onto those pre-school songs and cling to them even as teens and adults. One approach that has proven effective in preventing this problem is to expose youngsters to a wide variety of music as they grow. Here are some field-tested ideas.

RENTAL STRATEGY. When you purchase a DVD featuring kiddie songs or music that will be irritating after the 100th playing, remember your youngster with autism may well latch on to that DVD for months or even years on end. So, rather than purchasing that DVD, get in the habit of renting or checking out DVD’s from the library for little ones to watch just one or two times, then trade it in for a new one the next day. You encourage variety by providing variety.

iPOD STRATEGY. As a music therapist, I am, naturally, interested in piquing the interest of all my friends with disabilities in a broad range of music. I find even my most obsessive students with autism are fascinated with MP3 players, and enjoy window-shopping on iTunes – listening to short previews of a wide variety of music styles. When I see their eyes light up, I purchase the song for 99 cents and load it on their iPod. This strategy has helped many teen and adult friends let go of their obsessive interest in a few songs from their early childhood.

SCATTER STRATEGY. Much to the relief of their families and classmates, my particularly obsessive friends with autism have learned to tolerate change and variety through the Scatter Strategy. I record song tracks – MP3 or CD or DVD – that include snippets of their favorite kiddie songs scattered between other songs. I include live recordings of my singing songs to them as well as age-appropriate recorded songs and live recordings of their making music in music therapy.

TIP FOR THE DAY: We can help individuals with autism stretch their horizons and expand their interests beyond one or two childhood videos featuring kiddie songs. Even people who cling very tightly to those favorites as teens and adults can learn to enjoy new music, much to the relief of folks around them.

Let me close by asking you to share this resource, FAQautism.com. Tell family members, colleagues, and others who are interested in the well-being of individuals with autism to click on our FAQautism.com podcasts or Facebook posts or Twitter posts or e-mail updates – free and no obligation. Thanks for spreading the word.

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 a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. 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

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