Expert: James Michael Roan - 3/18/2006

Question
I am an elementary music teacher who is about to begin a recorder unit with my students.  I have about five autistic students in my class including one with aspergers.  What adaptations can I make to make playing the recorder an enjoyable experience for my autistic students?  I just began and already have a few covering their ears.  They appear to be in pain and I realize they have sensitive hearing.

Answer
Hi Renae;

Let those children who covered their ears opt out of your music session. For many with autism, certain frequencies hurt them very much. If you try and push the issue, you may create avoidance and escape behaviors that could take a long time to extinguish.

Kind regards,
James