Music for Autism

The quote "music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul," really resonates when watching how music can make people with autism respond. We all know that babies can be soothed by hearing their mom's lullabies. And who doesn't sing in the car or listen to music to calm oneself after a difficult or emotional day? It is an easy, immediate and unconscious way of losing oneself in the tunes and rhythms, and hopefully, emerging in a better frame of mind.

For students with autism, it is clear that music is one of the most efficient and satisfying ways to connect. Rhythm and melodies are a perfect way to share a moment and increase joint attention - a constant goal. But best of all, it makes all of us happy. And happy people are more inclined to be willing to participate in their environment. This is certainly an ongoing objective for autistic people, as well!

Through a very generous grant from the Escher Family Foundation, we have been able to offer all our students and adults several hours a week with a very talented and energetic music therapist. Each class and our adult program have been able to participate in this offering, and we are loving this amazing opportunity. We have been able to purchase some instruments to practice rhythm. Some of our students are just beginning to explore actually playing instruments and we are all curious as to where this will lead. In addition to this experience here on our campus, we also have had the benefit of a grant from the Goldman Foundation to attend music and art classes at the Community School of Music and Arts in Mt. View. There, we are having a great time learning how to play marimbas as well as singing.

For all of us, art and music should be priorities instead of an afterthought. What cannot be expressed in words can be expressed through music. And this is especially true of people with autism. You only have to see the differences in their smiles and their increased engagement to know that music truly does speak to the soul!