I have worked with many people over the years, some of whom are autistic. This blog post is for you if you or someone in your life is autistic and you’re wondering how music therapy can help. At Healing Sounds, we do not treat autism. We help autistic people move toward their individualized goals in order to achieve growth and fulfillment, just like anybody else who comes to us for help.  

When starting music therapy with a new client, I learn as much about them as I can through our intake paperwork, then set up the environment based on their needs. For example, if a client is sensory avoidant, I make sure to keep the lights low, provide instruments with acceptable textures, and lower the volume of our music making as needed. For a client who is sensory seeking, I provide plenty of visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular input throughout the session. This can look like including movement to music, using instruments with a large amount of resonance (vibration) and a variety of textures, etc. 

Some common goal areas for my autistic clients have included communication skills, self-regulation, motor control and coordination, and learning coping skills for transitions and big (or small) changes in their lives. Communication is the most common goal area I’ve worked with my clients on, and I should note that communication does not necessarily mean speech. It can also mean gestures, sign language, writing, typing, singing, a high or low tech AAC device, etc. 

We achieve these goals through a variety of methods, the most important of which is RHYTHM. A steady beat provides a firm foundation for organization of the body and mind, and is instrumental in helping someone learn to self-regulate. We also use preferred music that is motivating to the individual, as they will have more success if they’re able to enjoy the experience. We offer lots of opportunities for making choices, from the songs and instruments we use to the musical elements themselves, such as tempo and dynamics. Sometimes that’s communicated verbally, with gestures, or even musically! We also look for communication within the music and take turns following each other’s lead on how we’re making music together. 

Music therapy is effective for autistic people because they’re people. The effectiveness of music therapy is not based on someone’s diagnosis, but rather on whether they’re motivated by music and if music is helpful for them in achieving their goals, and determining that is what the assessment process is for! If this sounds right for you or a loved one, register for an assessment below.