Autism and learning to play a musical instrument??

Question

my son has mild autism and is 7 years old-he struggles to understand the 'rules' of grammar and makes occasional gaffes(often funny) socially.

it is his grasp of semantics and pragmatics that is most severly effected.

Now every time I mention that my son is 'on the spectrum' people always assume he will have some 'special gift' like calendric recall or fab drawing skills.

He doesn't...BUT he does love music it gives him real pleasure and he would love to learn an instrument but i fear he would struggle with the 'theory' side....anyone got any suggestions , advice, experience???

Answer 1

My autistic son, now 25 years old, always had a real passion for music. I tried to give him access to as many instruments as possible during his childhood, and he thoroughly enjoyed exploring and playing with them. He never learned to play any instrument, but he has a remarkable musical memory and uses music to manage his emotions, express his feelings and derive pleasure.

Answer 2

If he loves music and wants to play an instrument then what is stopping him. My daughter is 9 years old and has autism and she too loves music. She has recently decided to start playing the violin at school. She is really enjoying it and does not struggle in any way to keep up with the other children. If any child has an interest in something then it should be encouraged and even more so in children with autism. If you make the teacher aware that he does have difficulties in some areas then they can keep an eye on him. Let him have a go at learning an instrument he'll probably really enjoy it and could discover a hidden talent. Good luck.

Answer 3

I have been in music since I was 8 years old. I play the flute/piccolo, trumpet, sax, clarinet, tuba and piano. I'm not autistic, BUT I do struggle A LOT with theory! I play practically everything  by ear, even in my high school band, I'd listen to the song once I'd look at the notes for there 'letter value' play that and stop when everyone else did, then I'd have memorized the song after a week. My 11 year old non-verbal autistic brother, is VERY good a music theory (he does read well, despite not being verbal). He plays drums, piano, tuba and clarinet. He's is very good at all of them, and actually just received superior at his kiwanis festival. What I'm trying to say is give your son a chance. Autism or not, if music is his passion, ha can learn it! We all struggle with different parts, and even if he did struggle with the theory, if he loved te instrument enough, it may motivate him ot keep learning. Your son will surprise you with his many talents and gifts, and he does have them. Not being able to see them now means nothing. As he grows and is exposed to different learning opportunities, you will see; he'll shine through in so many ways. God has blesses you with a truly amazing child, don't loose heart!

And, should he strugle and not enjoy music, take this as a lesson. Add it to the lists of things that arn't his special gifts, and keep searching. Good luck, my heart is with you!

Answer 4

My autistic son started playing at church by ear at age 2, people thought it was his dad.

I don't know if he understood theory, probably later, but did not apply to playing with his fingers what came into his ears.

Give him a chance. Can be fun and not made a struggle if not forced and allow him to learn at his pace in him way.

Answer 5

Try the keyboard, It's often a good idea to indentify a musical note with a colour and felt tip the key of the instrument. It could be something you both have fun doing together, it's also a great way for him to negotiate seperate parts of his brains into working at the same time. He'd essentially be doing two very complicated things at once, but they'd be designed to entertain and relax him unlike conventional education paradigms.

Answer 6

The theoretical side of music does not have to feature strongly in a child's musical education until a pretty good practical standard has been reached.  Here in the UK one only HAS to take a theory exam in order to take Grade 6 practical exams.

Music can be enjoyed by anyone and is very much an individual thing.  If your son finds the theory difficult then he will still be able to participate in improvisation and many other aspects of music.    There are musicians with no known learning difficulties who are best at playing by ear instead of from the written page.

Everyone can enjoy music in different ways, and in ways which play to their strengths.  Let him give it a go - you'll be surprised!

Answer 7

I know exactly what you mean!

My son is also 7 and 'on the spectrum' and even my own father says "They are all gifted at something"!  My son is also fond of music and has great rhythm, but unfortunately does not want to learn to play an instrument, personally I think it has a lot to do with his confidence.  Good luck in your search and let me know how you get on as if my son changes his mind, I would probably need the same advice.

Answer 8

Your son's love for music will guide him. Communicate with the music teacher about his special needs. If he/or she is not willing to accommodate, find someone who will.

Follow your child's lead and go from there. Hey, sounds like you have a built in reinforcer (Do this first then you can have 5 minutes with you music).

Answer 9

so what if he does struggle with the theory side, i do and i don't have autism.

He still needs to be challenged and if he loves music then go for it!!! you can always stop if he starts to hate it

Answer 10

that would be pretty hard