A look at how a nursery music group ran by our Music Therapy Assistant benefited seven children with Autism and additional needs. The group ran for two terms, with the aim of developing the children’s attention, engagement, turn-taking, sharing and communication skills. Two of the children in the group presented with particularly significant sensory needs.

Andy is a 7 year old boy with a diagnosis of Autism and additional learning needs. He is on a ‘child in need’ care plan due to concerns about his wellbeing and stability within his home life. The Assistant Head of Andy’s school referred him for Music Therapy. It was felt that this could offer him a space for developing positive relationship experiences, self-expression and communication.

The Music Therapy group consisted of four year 4 boys. The boys were referred to the Music Therapy group by the Safeguarding Lead and my supervisor, with the hope that the safe and musical environment could aid in boosting their self-esteem, building their confidence and developing healthy peer to peer relations…

John is a 9-year-old autistic boy. He is non-verbal, quite isolated, finds it difficult to control his behaviour and struggles with changes. He is extremely aggressive, both towards his peers and staff members, but also towards himself. He often scratches and hits, as well as spits at his surroundings…

Dara is 5 years old and lives with her mother and older brother. She was diagnosed with Batten Disease (a rare, genetic, progressive neurodegenerative disease that occurs in mainly children) at 18 months. Dara was born healthy, but the Batten Disease has now resulted in difficulties with her ability to speak, eat, see and walk. Dara attends a special needs school…