Calming Music for Kids with Autism

Posted by Lynn Moore Jul 31, 2008

Think about the basic parts of your child’s daily schedule: Getting ready for school, meal times, bed time routines, time that you want to practice basic skills like counting and days of the week, relaxed play time, etc. For this technique, choose two of those times. Then pick music (a single song or a particular CD that lends itself to the time). A calming CD with lullabies could represent rest time. Any of the Dr. Jean CDs could represent a learning time.

Introduce the CDs by playing them at the time you want your child to participate in that activity. Make this a daily habit. Soon the music will help your child transition to the next home activity in a calm manner. He does not have to figure out what you expect. The music signals him to the change. Then, he will be in a better position to attend to the things you want him to hear. For example, you put on the bed time lullaby music and he understands that it is time for him to get ready for bed. You ask Do you want your truck pajamas or your monkey pajamas? His focus is on your communication. He is not trying to figure out the schedule.

After your child is comfortable with and responding to the music you have introduced, add a few more songs/CDs for other parts of the schedule. Soon you will be singing your way through the day!