Autism and the Love of Music

Casey has been singing since before she could talk. Some people may not understand that sentence, but it's true. She could sing entire songs after only hearing them once or twice when she was a toddler - way before she could ask for a drink or say "Hi Mommy." This is life with autism.

She still loves music - all kinds of music. (Honestly, rap is the only type I've never heard her listen to and I think it's because she can't understand what is being said.) As she listens to her iPad, I could hear Patsy Cline, followed by Jimmy Buffett, then Nickelback, Oak Ridge Boys, Stevie Wonder and the Beatles. Everything - she loves it all.

With her autism, she is very routine-based and doesn't really like surprises. Music is perfect for that - the songs never change and there is comfort in that. For many years, Rob played one song on repeat every night while he slept. If the music stopped, he woke up. If the song changed, he woke up. Now, I think it was comforting to him - he felt safe as long as that song was playing. At the time, I didn't stop to wonder why - I just hoped the music didn't stop so we could all sleep! He doesn't listen to that song at all now and I have no idea why he stopped.

Just like everything else with autism - it's desperately important until it isn't. Just like must have foods that you stock up on and then they decide they don't want them anymore. Gotta love it, don't you?

Our county board of DD holds a talent show every spring and it was a few nights ago. Rob took a visual art project and Casey sang. Her excitement was just amazing to see! She was the third one to sing and she rocked back and forth with a huge smile while she waited.

When it was her turn, she ran right up on stage and was ready. She doesn't like to watch people watch her, though. She glances around the gym while she sings and has a huge smile as she rocks side to side with the music. She never seems to care if she wins anything - she just loves the singing. (She did win a trophy this year - the American Idol award.) She runs to the stage to get a participation certificate as happily as she does a trophy.

It's amazing to me to watch her. She does get a little nervous, but she does it anyway. More people should be as brave as they are to get out of their comfort zone and not care about the results - to do something for the pure joy of doing it. The show was over two hours long and every performer did exactly what they wanted to do. Some sang, some just swayed to the music, some told jokes or shared information about space. It didn't matter - the audience loved it all.

And that's an even better part - every participant is cheered and celebrated as they come off the stage. High fives and hugs are the norm for everyone and their proud smiles is something I just love to see.

Rob doesn't like noise or crowds, but he sat through the entire show, with his headphones on. Even a few years ago, he chose to leave as soon as he saw Casey sing, but now, he is able to sit and watch everyone. There were several times that I watched him instead of the performer, just because it's so wonderful to see him be able to enjoy something like this!

I wish everyone who knew Casey and Rob as little kids could see them now! They have changed so much - never, ever give up hope!!