Liam's* story

Here one of the team describes her work with Liam, a 24-year-old severely autistic client, who has individual music therapy sessions. Although initially very anxious, Liam gradually became relaxed enough to allow the therapist into his world and to connect with her through a musical interaction.

‘Liam arrives in the room and instantly takes my hand and leads me to the piano. We sit together, him on the piano stool, me on a chair by his side. He seems quiet and is muttering, humming and murmuring to himself. I start to play the piano and Liam takes my hand and holds it, still humming to himself. I start to sing, matching Liam’s murmurings. He turns his eyes to me, looking straight at my face as he continues to hold my hand, stroking the back of it as we vocalise together, me responding to Liam’s communications. We remain seated like this for the rest of the session. Occasionally he moves his other hand and strokes my back, almost as if giving me a hug; regularly he smiles. As our vocal conversation develops so Liam’s confidence seems to grow. I no longer feel that he is murmuring to himself but rather that he is singing to and with me. His voice gets louder and his range extends as I challenge him in my singing to reach higher and lower and to explore his voice. A connection has been made; I have found Liam and met him on his level. I am speaking his language and he seems to feel understood.’

* names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality