natunix
asks:
Q:
Aspergers and music aptitude... finding other children with the same interest
Do any of you have an aspie child who thrives on music? My son has a natural talent when it comes to music, but he is 7 and there are not a lot of programs aimed at special needs children that move past basic music concepts. He is currently in music therapy and he attends drum lessons, which he loves, bu tI cannot find many other programs for him where he can be around aother kids who love, live and breathe music. He knows his theory, has perfect pitch, plays by ear and is currently learning to read music. He is too advanced for the other children right now in music therapy to work in a group setting and isn't quite ready to be in a typical setting due to his constant questions and tangents...has anyone found any avenues for their children to continue their musical growth while making friends at the same time?
In Topics:
Creative arts, Autism & Aspergers Syndrome
> 60 days ago
What the Expert Says:
Additional Answers (4)
Hi Natalie. My nephew is an aspie child who excels at piano. He is 15 now, but from the time he was 3 he was all over any musical instrument he could get his hands on. What his family did was enroll him in music therapy and lessons, which were one on one, and then got him involved in a children's orchestra that they found by going to the library and looking up community programs. While he did have some struggles at first, he did manage to socialize and make friends over time. Naturally, as you know, every aspie child is different, but I thought I'd share our experience with you. It may be that doing a dual program like this might help you?<br />
> 60 days ago
My 6 1/2 year old aspie son is exactly the same. He is learning to play violin, but is picking up other instruments and playing the music on everything. I have signed him up for private lessons, because he outpaces any group. It would be GREAT to have a friend like your son. We live in the Washington DC region. What region do you live in?
> 60 days ago
I personally am an Aspie and a music major. I have been told that I have a natural ear and can pick up any instrument instantaneously. I would see if his music teacher can do a weekly jam session, that way he can socialize and do what he loves, or maybe get him into a group piano class or see if there is a music academy near where you are
> 60 days ago
My 6 Yr old is similar. He wishedfor a violin from Santa when he was 3! His choice!!
We do private violin lessons - private lessons let himgo at his own pace withoutthe stress of the others in the group and what they are doing.
I am not sure if we will switch instruments or add another at some point - violin was his choice. Not sure if it's the bestfor an aspie?
We do private violin lessons - private lessons let himgo at his own pace withoutthe stress of the others in the group and what they are doing.
I am not sure if we will switch instruments or add another at some point - violin was his choice. Not sure if it's the bestfor an aspie?
> 60 days ago
