Musical Talent and Autism: A Link Worth Exploring
When Tom was seven, he was given a clarinet by a friend whose children were no longer interested in music.
We searched and searched the area for a teacher - any teacher - who was willing to teach our now-diagnosed son how to play the clarinet. There were plenty of therapists willing to work with him therapeutically - but no, they didn't teach instrumental skills. There were music teachers galore - but none willing to take on a child with autism.
Finally, we found a very young woman with a lot of patience and very few students. She was already teaching a young man with Asperger syndrome, and was willing to give it a try.
A few years later, Tom was playing the clarinet quite proficiently (along with piano) - certainly better than the other kids in the fourth grade. As a treat, we brought the clarinet in to his class, which at the time consisted of nine boys with varying degrees of autism. Tom played a few songs for the class - and then let the other boys try out the clarinet.
Now, if you've ever tried playing clarinet you know that it's not easy, and it's not intuitive. Most typical kids produce nothing but a squeak the first few times out. Yet every single boy in that class picked up the clarinet and was able to produce honest-to-goodness music. Every one of them was intrigued - and none wanted to stop playing.
I was amazed and thrilled, and tried to communicate my delight to the teachers and parents in the room. They smiled politely, but couldn't understand why I thought this was a big deal. In fact, even as Tom progressed into band (his ONLY venue for successful inclusion at the time), neither the autism teachers nor the band instructor could see why music mattered.
Today, Tom is playing jazz and classical clarinet, and we recently learned he has perfect pitch (apparently not unusual among people with autism). Music continues to be a big part of his life - and an opportunity to learn group dynamics, ensemble work, and much more. It's also a great source of pride, both for Tom and for us, his parents.
I'm sharing this story because I want to encourage you, as parents of autistic children (or as autistic adults) to give this a try. Pick out an instrument that appeals to your child. Help your child to give it a try. See what happens. If nothing - you haven't lost a thing. But my guess is that both you and your child will be pleasantly surprised. You might even find that a whole new set of opportunities has opened up for your family.
Comments
That was a great story. My son, a bit younger than yours, wanted a guitar and as he put it “to make beautiful music”. The way he said that, who could not buy him one? He was seven at the time. The thing is, like swimming lessons, he thinks he already knows how to do most everything and when he has his door closed, and I hear him strumming that guitar, I’d be betting to his ears it is beautiful music. I have a good friend who plays the guitar quite well, and I’ve tried to get my son to have an interest to hear him play, watch his fingers first hand. My kid is dead set that he can already play so for now, I just let him play what he thinks sounds good to him
Thanks for the story!
I appreciate this blog entry. I really wish there was more information on autism (and the whole autistic spectrum) and music.
My boy (6, pdd-nos)just said the other day that he want s to learn to play the violin! I’m a former music teacher so this makes me elated, especially since he HATED music only 2 years ago- couldn’t process the sound and is was physically uncomfortable for him to even listen to me sing, prozac does wonders for sensory problems
. We’re going to get him a used one, 1/2 size. I haven’t played the violin since 3rd grade, but I can teach the very basics on his schedule, don’t want to push him into a weekly lesson yet because it would most likely backfire, then next year in 2nd grade he can take lessons with the string teacher at his school- who has a boy with Asperger’s! If your kid has an interest- run with it!!! 
My autistic son also had an interest in music. Although I offered, he refused to accept lessonns. Like your son, he also thought he already knew how. Guess what? He did. He plays several types of guitars and keyboard beautifully. He taught himself how to play. When he needs help figuring something out, he goes on to the internet and finds help.
I have asperger’s and I play the electric guitar. It seems like the better I get, more obsessed I get. It’s a huge thing for me.
I got my son who is 16 a drumset in December 2008. He has Asperger’s and was playing along with heavy metal songs within a couple of months. He has friends that come over and jam and he just sets the rhythm and plays along. He really seems at home behind the drum kit. He is calm, and just happy when he is playing. Word has gotten around and kids with guitars and bass guitars are showing up everyday to play with him. It has done so much for his self-esteem.
That was a great stroy. I have an 8 yr old daughter with autism. We were in her school last week for a hispanic presentation and at the end she took the microphone and sang a complete song. Everyone loved it. Shortly after her music teacher, who is a musician approached me and told me that my daughter has a music talent. Not just in singing but instruments as well. He suggested I put her in music classes. She loves to sing but I never thought their could be any talent in that area. I was very excited to hear that and will be searching for music classes for my girl.