wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

I work with people with learning disabilities, ranging from severe physical and mental disabilities to people with mild autism and aspergers.
I support and facilitate people to play in bands together, write songs, perform in front of people and generally do things that most musicians take for granted. Some of the changes in people that i have worked with have been incredible, a real confirmation that music can improve confidence, self worth and reach people that are often hard to reach.

beautiful guest and a beautiful show

I have 8 years old son with ASD, he started learning playing piano this June and loves listening music very much. I noticed taht he learned/played piano quiet special. I hope I can be provided to get usefull inforamtion to help/guild my son.

During my 4 year old son's weekly music therapy sessions, he makes eye contact, takes turns, initiates play, laughs, sings, creates, and RELATES to others!!! Music therapy has increased my son's vocabulary, increased his imitation and initiation skills, and most importantly, has given us a way to share experiences with our son. Unfortunately, this therapy is not cheap, and is not covered by insurance. But it is an integral part to our son's development.

How do these methods described today differ from the Tomatis method, a technique to teach music appreciation and training advanced about 40 years ago, Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis, a French Ear, Nose and Throat specialist?

This is a meaningful and important program but I think it would be vital for you to mention the field of Music Therapy, where licensed and trained professionals work with a whole range of conditions, including autisim via music. I know that Dr. Sacks is quite knowledgable about this field. Please, do mention the field.

Thanks, Janet Sullivan, music therapist

i have a nephew who had autism, but has since been mainstreamed via much therapy.

from what we were told, music (and its associated metering) is much like the counting associated with autistic people--and it serves to "keep" the autistic in the bubble that keeps them from interacting fully with the non-autistic. given that so many autistic prefer to stay in a "comfort zone" of music or counting (including these "savants"), this is, in the opinion of many, counter-productive to bringing them out.

yes, these children are often entertaining to us, but at what cost? they are merely imitating what they hear, no?

SO BEAUTIFUL - MAKES ME WANT TO WEEP