Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Art by autistic artist Luna Rose

Autistic people experience the world differently. They think differently from non-autistic people, which can make it harder for them to relate and pick up on social expectations. They also deal with a lot of stressors, from social exclusion to chaotic sensory environments.

Music therapy for autistic people might help with things like:

• Recognizing and naming emotions
• Self-expression
• De-stressing
• Social skills like sharing and taking turns
• Building relationships
• Confidence
• Self-advocacy and assertiveness

Many autistic people deal with social exclusion and isolation. Their peers may not want to hang out with someone who is different. Autistic people can face a lot of pressure to "fit in," put up with distressing situations, and be someone they're not.

Tips for interacting with autistic people

An autistic person may:

• Find it easier to communicate with picture cards, scripted phrases, or body language than spontaneous words
• Repeat your words back (echolalia), sometimes to communicate with you
  • For example, if you ask "Are you ready to go?" they might respond "Ready to go!" as a way to say yes
• Rock, flap their hands, and fidget (stimming)
• Feel more comfortable when they don't have to make eye contact
• Find loud or sudden noises upsetting
• Get overwhelmed easily
• Have quirky mannerisms

Stimming helps them self-regulate and express themselves. They may stim while enjoying music. It's okay to join in and have fun with it.

Many autistic people have special interests: topics that fascinate and delight them. This could be anything from dolphins to early British history. Engaging with these topics can get them to "open up" and get excited about spending time with you. Try integrating these into your songs.

Every autistic person is unique. Adjust therapy goals to suit their specific needs. For example, one person's therapy might focus on building confidence and assertiveness skills, while another's might focus on recognizing and regulating intense emotions.

A note on autism acceptance

Don't pressure them to act like a neurotypical person. "Autistic masking," which means hiding one's autistic traits, is linked to major mental health issues. Your goal should not be to make them act non-autistic, but to help them blossom into a happy, well-adjusted, authentic autistic person.

Try to meet them wherever they're at. Music therapy should be fun, relaxing, and educational without pushing too hard.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability involving social difficulties, repetitive behavior, and sensory sensitivities. Signs show up during the first three years of an autistic person's life.

Signs of autism include:

• Difficulty picking up on social cues like facial expressions, body language, subtexts, and hints
• Trouble making friends
• Discomfort with eye contact
• Sincerity
• Intense, passionate interests
• Repetitive fidgeting (stimming) to self-regulate
• Need for routine
• Sensory over- and under-sensitivities

Autism is lifelong. It comes with both strengths and difficulties. The right support can make a huge difference in quality of life.

Autistic people often do better when they are allowed to be themselves. Enjoying their special interests is good for their wellbeing. Behavior like fidgeting and avoiding eye contact can help them stay calm and adapt to situations.

Autistic people have developed their own community and culture. They advocate for acceptance, an end to abuse, adequate support, and a greater say in their own lives.

See also

• Emotional Goals
• Social Goals
• Cognitive Goals

External resources

• Embrace Autism
• Thinking Person's Guide to Autism
• Autism articles on wikiHow
• Autistic Self-Advocacy Network