Expert: Paul Johnson - 5/29/2008

Question
hi my son aged 2 and 4 months has a diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder.he received his diagnoses young due to a family history of autism a first cousin with aspergers syndrome .he also was significantly delayed by 18 months of age and referred for assesment.my question is over the last few weeks he has started to sing nursery rhymes completely in tune ,also if i sang a tune he could repeat it nearly straight away.he has no words not even dada but the singing is unbelievable.today i put on some kids programmes and he sang along perfectly in tune using babble to the whole theme tune to the backyardigans,he also does this with Thomas the tank engine and other programmes such as wonderpets.it is amazing to hear him.i am wondering is this  huge progress for him and even if the asd diagnoses could be wrong or is it just another autistic trait .he is a very happy little boy lots of smiles and loves intense cuddles.his eye contact has also improved. i am wondering if i should try and enhance this musical side in him .he is starting a aba programme next week so will also mention it then.thanks very much .

Answer
Hey Alison,

Thank you for your important and interesting question. I believe his new interest in music is an expression of what is known as a special interest that those on the spectrum engages in. People living on the spectrum often will create a repetitive interest that sooths us. I have a few special interest my self and my AS son is doing his, (video games)as I write this. I have a close friend with a teen child on the spectrum that she told me yesterday engages in singing with perfect pitch. Also last month I attend an Autism conference where they said that musicians are very well represented on the ASD,
(Autism Spectrum of Disorders). So as you can see from this perspective his behaviors have been more representative of the Autism spectrum. Which is a good thing.

Of course you should reinforce and reward this behavior. It is a profitable, entertaining and fun special interest to have.