“Where Words Fail, Music Speaks” – Hans Christian Andersen.

My son James is non-verbal (barring 4 understandable words). He has always loved and responded positively to music. Music is everywhere and there are few of us who don’t enjoy it. We each have our preferences and so does James.

From when he was very tiny and we sang songs and rhymes to him it became clear that he loved ‘Happy and you know it’ above all else. Now as he approaches his^29th birthday it’s still the song he requests his grandad to sing and bang the drum to on his weekly visits. I don’t think James will ever tire of it. (Not so sure about grandad!!)

Whilst we’ve always had music around at home and in the car…..

…………… it was during those long days at home in lockdown that James started to request the radio to be on. He hadn’t done this before but this has continued and now when he comes to my house he requests that its put on as soon as we arrive. He will also turn it off as we leave. Now living in his own supported accommodation flat he also does this as he can operate the remote control himself.

James likes to always have the same radio station on and he will get excited and hum and tap or dance along to familiar songs. He’ll also anticipate what’s coming next in a song and ‘sign’ to the words he is able to appropriately. I love to see him enjoying music in this way.

There are few things in life that James derives real pleasure from.

He doesn’t enjoy the things that many of us would like going out with friends, going out for a meal, watching a film or reading a book. The things he enjoys are quite limited and often things we might like can be stressful for James.

Three years ago, wanting to find an activity James would enjoy I decided to find a music therapist who could come and work with him. After a bit of googling, I found a lovely (but totally mad) lady who is a qualified music therapist and has lots of experience working with a wide range of individuals including those with learning disabilities.

James’ music therapist visits him at his flat every week. Most often I am there but if I can’t be then one of his care team will be. The sessions have evolved considerably over time as James’ confidence has increased. Whilst the main purpose was initially to find an activity that James would enjoy, there have been many benefits to music therapy.

We incorporate a lot of movement and dance into our sessions.

We also use ‘sign’ a lot and James is increasingly able to make choices and guide the content of the sessions himself. Whilst once he was dependant on structure, now he is showing more acceptance and flexibility. I feel it has had considerable benefits to his emotional stability particularly during a period last year when he had his leg in plaster and couldn’t access other activities and day services.

The music sessions were adapted to his abilities at that time but offered crucial continuity during an otherwise traumatic period for James. I feel his overall anxiety has reduced and his cognitive abilities improved. It amazes me how he remembers complex musical structures and with support can join in with a variety of instruments. There really have been so many positives.

Whilst it may not all be just about playing instruments and having fun, there is a very large element of that and nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing James light up and enjoy himself too.