Working with Neurodiversity: The Voice in Neurodiversity-Affirmative Music Therapy and other Music-based Work
Friday 31st January 2025, 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 disorders or deficits, instead viewing neurodiversity (neurological diversity) as a natural and normal part of human diversity. Under the neurodiversity paradigm, neurotype (e.g. neurotypical, autistic etc.) is considered as an aspect of identity, in the same way as gender or sexuality, and neurodivergent forms of behaviour, communication and culture are valued in the same way as neurotypical 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, in particular In relation to autism, 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 prominent neurodiversity-informed theories, including a brief exploration of autistic communication and culture. We will look at ways to work musically from a neurodiversity-affirmative perspective, whether therapeutically or within other forms of music-based work or teaching practice. Particular consideration will be given to the use of the voice, both in terms of responding to the neurodivergent individual’s particular ways of using language, song and vocal sounds, and in terms of using one’s own voice (whether you identify as neurotypical or neurodivergent), and other forms of music, to communicate respectfully and effectively with neurodivergent people. I will speak about my own music therapy work with autistic people, which takes a collaborative approach with the client as much as possible, giving examples of how I use my voice and other forms of musical response in my 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.
Monday 12th January 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Tuesday 13th January 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday 14th January 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Thursday 15th January 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Tuesday 20th January 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday 21st January 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
(London Time)
Level One Certificate in Accents and Phonetics
Louisa Morgan
Are you a voice, acting, or singing coach looking to expand your expertise and add accents and phonetics to your teaching repertoire? This 6-session course covers essential topics such as articulatory, acoustic, and auditory phonetics, the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), and ethical approaches to accent and dialect coaching. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to start to bring phonetics and accent coaching into your coaching and provide more comprehensive support to your clients.
Monday 12th January 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Perfectionism: A Theoretical & Clinical Overview
Dr David Juncos
What exactly is meant when we label ourselves or someone we know a perfectionist? It is a good to be this way? Or are you setting yourself up for failure? Can a performance psychologist or a other performance-related practitioner help you if you’re a perfectionist? In this short course, you will learn how perfectionism is defined according to popular models in clinical psychology, and whether it is maladaptive or adaptive. You will also learn how perfectionism impacts on music performance anxiety, in addition to other areas of importance for performing musicians, like work-related stress and burnout, and procrastination with one’s practice.
Tuesday 13th January 2026
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)
A Critical Overview of Perceptual Motor Learning: Coaching Implications
Michele Capalbo
Perceptual motor learning (PML) theory is characterised by the convergence of perception and action. PML focuses on how we teach, not what we teach, in order to optimise learning and ultimately, performance! This short course will outline strategies for teaching and coaching with both long- and short-term goals in mind. These strategies have been adapted for the voice from motor learning theory and the Alexander Technique.