The Voice in Neurodiversity Affirmative Music Therapy with Autistic People

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.