Thomas’s* story

A mum describes how music therapy sessions helped to make a real difference for her autistic son…

‘The process of discovering that my son was autistic was a gradual and lonely experience. A new baby usually brings big highs and lows. With Thomas, the joy never seemed to happen. I couldn’t make him happy. The smiles, when they came, were never focused on me. I wanted to be a good mum, but by the age of 3, I couldn’t even get close to him.

When we started music therapy, Thomas was angry, totally refused to co-operate and had very little language. I was depressed and had lost all confidence in my ability to manage him. Through music, Thomas actually began to communicate. The therapist started by copying the sounds he made. Very quickly, Thomas started to expect and then to lead the sound making, delighting in getting the response he expected. He learned he could be happy and control his environment.

At the same time the therapist built my confidence, giving me strategies to deal with Thomas’s difficult behaviour, actively encouraging me to talk about my week. Through music therapy I discovered the joy that Thomas actually is.'

* names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality