The Voice in Neurodiversity Affirmative Music Therapy with Autistic People
Tuesday 23rd April 2024, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (London Time)
The Neurodiversity Paradigm challenges the concept of autism (and related neurological differences such as ADHD and dyspraxia) as a disorder or deficit, instead defining autism as a natural and normal part of human neurological diversity (neurodiversity). Under the neurodiversity paradigm, autism is considered as an aspect of identity, in the same way as gender or sexuality, and autistic forms of behaviour, communication and culture are valued in the same way as allistic (non-autistic) forms of behaviour, communication and culture. In recent years, the music therapy profession has begun to consider the application of the neurodiversity paradigm to music therapy practice, and an increasing amount of literature embracing this perspective has been published.
This lecture, delivered from a lived experience perspective, will begin with an explanation of the key concepts around neurodiversity, the neurodiversity paradigm, and some neurodiversity-informed theories within autism research, including a brief exploration of autistic communication and culture. We will look at ways to work musically from a neurodiversity-affirmative perspective with autistic people, whether therapeutically or within other forms of music-based work or teaching practice. Particular consideration will be given to the use of the voice with autistic people, both in terms of responding to the individual’s particular ways of using language, song and vocal sounds, and in terms of using one’s own voice (whether you identify as autistic or allistic), and other forms of music, to communicate respectfully and effectively with autistic people.
Hilary will speak about her own music therapy work with autistic people, which takes a collaborative approach with the client as much as possible, giving examples of how Hilary uses her voice and other forms of musical response in her therapeutic work.
Hilary Davies
Hilary Davies is a Health and Care Professions Council-registered Music Therapist, specialising in music therapy with autistic people.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Tuesday 13th January 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 20th January 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 27th January 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 3rd February 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 10th February 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
(London Time)
Introduction to Postgraduate Academic Skills - Join Live!
Debbie Winter
Are you ready to elevate your academic journey? Hosted by our very own Debbie Winter, join our comprehensive Introduction to Academic Skills course, designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies for success in higher education. Perfect for bridging the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study, this course offers a pathway to our full MA for students without an existing degree. We offer both live, interactive sessions and standalone, pre-recorded content.
Thursday 15th January 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 22nd January 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 29th January 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 5th February 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 12th February 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Trauma-Sensitive Voice Professional Certificate with Dr Elisa Monti
Dr Elisa Monti
Updated for 2026, this five-part certificate course is designed to help participants learn the theory and practice of trauma-sensitive approaches. The concepts and activities included are tailored to meet the needs of voice specialists who want to acquire more specific tools to navigate the space with their students and colleagues.
Thursday 29th January 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 5th February 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
(London Time)
The Emotional Voice: Past Theories, Present Practice
Louisa Morgan
From the Greek actor Polus of Aegina carrying an urn of his own dead son’s ashes onstage in Sophocles’ Electra (Konjin, 1997) to the so-called American Method acting of Hollywood in the 20th Century, how performers work with and express emotion has been a vital part of their craft and how they are perceived by audiences. Join Louisa Morgan for this two-part course, where she considers: How have theories of emotion developed over time? How could understanding theories of emotion help voice practitioners in their coaching of singers and speakers?