Music classes helping children with autism

Many in Bengaluru with communication difficulties are learning music and passing exams

The benefits of music for children with autism are undisputed. Music therapy helps them cope with their social-interaction difficulties and repetitive behaviour.

Some children with autism are now going in for professional certification in music, considered difficult even for children with no disabilities, and the benefits are there for all to see.

“Preparing for exams makes the child more disciplined, improves social skills and brings about a sense of motivation to achieve more,” says Vivian Christopher Rajan, director of Sound and Silence Music Academy in Ejipura.

It is important for parents to pick a course the children like.

“What we do here is to let them try out all instruments and choose something; they pick up the lessons faster that way,” he says, adding that there are many career avenues open in music.

Rajesh Venkatesh, parent of a specially-abled child learning at Sound and Silence, says appearing for exams was never on the agenda initially. “Due to the challenges that Adithya has in understanding and comprehending the format of an examination, we were somewhat sceptical. However, Vivian was confident Adithya could do this,” he says.

Adithya recently appeared for Grade 1 in Trinity rock and pop exams, and is awaiting results.

“Diligent preparation and constant guidance were necessary. He has also played in some concerts conducted by the school and these have helped him improve his self-esteem and social standing,” Rajesh adds.

Chithra Seshadri, founder-director of Sambhavam- Center for Autism, says music naturally attracts all children. Her son Srikar, diagnosed with autism, has been learning music since he was four. He has completed Level 1 and 2 of Carnatic vocal exams conducted by Punjab University.

“Like with any other lessons, everything depends on the attitude of the facilitator and the innate confidence of the child. The child has to prepared properly before enrolling; pressure tactics will not work,” she cautions.

Chithra says getting autistic children to stick to a regular timetable and practise can be a challenge sometimes. “Parents have to be systematic in their approach as well and stick to the schedule; it makes it easier for the child to adapt,” she says.

Wesley Newton of NAD School of Music does not believe in the system of grading though — he feels it puts unnecessary pressure on children. “They should be happy and make progress, that’s all that matters,” he says.

However, Vivian says that this issue can be tackled by avoiding the word ‘exams’ while speaking to specially-abled kids. “The word instills fear in them. I tell them it is a special performance for a one-man audience (the examiner) and then they have no problems,” he says.

Vocals and keyboards are the easiest for autistic children to pick up, Wesley says, adding that patience is key when it comes to teaching them. Vivian agrees sight reading and music theory is a bit tough for them to grasp.

Understand their world

V Noel Aiyar, special music instructor, says teachers must understand the world such children live in. “You might be playing something that sounds nice to you but it might disturb them. You have to find what they dislike and juggle it with what you like. Parents also need to rein in their expectations and understand that though there will be progress, it will take time,” he says.

Autistic kids welcome here

Sound And Silence Music Academy, #48, second floor, 12th cross, near bus stop, Ejipura, Ejipura Main Road. Contact 95351 64075

NAD School of Music, #13, 188/1, second floor, 9th Street, Prakruthi Township, Babusapalya, Kalyan Nagar. Contact 99022 92482

Sambhavam Center for Autism, 452, 7th Cross Rd, Mico Layout, Stage 2, BTM Layout. Contact 77607 69323.

Meera Center For Music Therapy, 92, 4th Cross Rd, 4th Block, Banashankari 3rd Stage. Contact 95151 24782.