How Music Speaks to the Hearts of Children with Autism
- aarohamusictherapy
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Article by : Binal Shah
Founder of Aaroha Music Therapist
Website: https://www.aarohamusictherapy.com/
April carries a special rhythm of its own—the steady, rising beat of awareness, acceptance, and celebration for the autism community. This World Autism Awareness Month, let's pause to hear a quieter revolution underway: the way music has been bridging gaps, sparking connections, and lighting up the world of children on the autism spectrum, one musical note at a time!.
From my personal experience as a Music Therapist and having worked with children on the autism spectrum, I have personally witnessed the magical effect of music several times - those lit up eyes when a familiar tune is played on the ukulele and those happy claps & tapping legs when their favourite rhythm is played and those hearty laughs every time the hula hoop falls before the music stops!
Also, across India and around the globe, melodies have opened doors where words once faltered. Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay from India, who was a nonverbal child on the autism spectrum and is now an author, first reached out to the world through rhythmic tapping—expressing thoughts long before he mastered writing. It’s a reminder that music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a language without barriers.
Research supports these miracles. A landmark Cochrane review (Geretsegger et al., 2014) found that music therapy significantly boosts communication and emotional expression in autistic children. Dr. Stephen Shore, a professor, author, and musician on the spectrum, speaks of rhythm as an anchor during his sensory-overloaded childhood—a steady beat in a noisy world. (And yes, in his words: “Why was the drum always calm? It knew how to keep a beat even in tough times!”)
In India, the NGO "Nayi Disha" has shared about children who, unable to say “hello,” found friends by singing songs together. Music invites social connection in the simplest, most joyful ways.
Instrument learning deepens this bond. During one of the panel discussions that I was a part of on the subject, one Mumbai-based music therapist recalls a boy who showed only anger—until tabla practice lit up new smiles during performances. Research by LaGasse (2014) echoes this, linking musical learning with better emotional regulation.
Songs also sneak into daily routines, transforming tasks like brushing teeth into happy rituals. Meanwhile, basic keyboard lessons have helped improve motor skills in Bangalore classrooms, as per a study. Studies also show that integrating music with math and language lessons improves retention for children on the spectrum.
Music goes beyond therapy—it boosts academic growth too. Studies (Simpson & Keen, 2011) show math and language skills blossom faster when woven with melodies.
In homes across India, children are learning Hindi faster through Bollywood songs and bhajans. Public performances, like those by the "Sounds of Silence" choir, offer children on the autism spectrum, the shining joy of applause—and a deep sense of pride.
Perhaps most beautifully, shared musical rituals strengthen parent-child bonds, easing the anxieties of both child and caregiver.
Music doesn’t demand words—it invites hearts to listen and respond. Whether it’s a temple bhajan, a pop song on the radio, or a simple drumbeat at home, every sound becomes a bridge. This World Autism Awareness Month, let’s celebrate music—not just as therapy, but as one of humanity’s oldest, purest ways of reaching each other.
About Binal Shah
Binal Shah is an independent music therapy practitioner operating out of Mumbai and working in professional as well as non-profit space. She conducts individual as well as group and community therapy sessions and workshops / seminars / webinars, catering in clinical, educational and corporate settings, in offline as well as online mode.
Individuals
Family
Groups
Communities
Online Sessions
Offline Personal sessions
Corporates
Schools/Colleges/Universities
Wellness Institutions
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