Many people with autism are considered to be limited in their ability to learn musical instruments. In truth, many children and adults with autism can excel at guitar-playing when given the right opportunities.
Many parents are surprised to find that their children with autism have musical skills. Often, the child has an incredible ear for music and can pick up on melodies instantly. This makes it easier to get them started in music lessons at a young age. Children with autism often have trouble communicating verbally but when they play an instrument, they can express themselves through sound. Music also improves cognitive development and helps relieve stress which is key in managing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The chances for success are high if you know what you’re looking for!
Ability to do mathematics and analytical tasks
Music theory is all about maths. Time signatures, key signatures, and rhythms are a veneer over the complex mathematical concepts that can be explained in an easy-to-understand manner for those who want them.
Music theory is all about math, and if your child with autism excels at solving mathematical problems then music will not only be a natural outlet but also help them to learn other aspects of life such as memorization skills. Music requires you to know how long notes last so when it comes time for an exam or social interaction those who can sing have an advantage over those who don’t know the appropriate length- yet another skill they’ll need from being on top form academically!
Good at pattern recognition
The guitar is a very repetitive instrument in many ways. There are patterns to be memorized for chords, strumming rhythms, etc. These can be learned quickly by anyone who has autism, especially if they have the patience to sit with them until mastery is achieved.
If your child with autism is good at recognizing patterns and repeating them, you’ll learn a lot of licks when playing guitar. Licks are short phrases that fit in one key on an instrument such as the piano or guitar because they all come from single notes but vary by how long each note lasts.
The repetitive nature can be helpful to kids who have difficulties following directions consistently because it gives more freedom while still communicating clear expectations
Kids with autism can be Better at communicating feelings non-verbally
If your child is better at communicating feelings non-verbally, they can learn to play guitar without much explicit instruction. When a guitarist plays, it is not just about the notes. The sound and emotion that comes from his instrument are what he needs to express himself through music instead of words which may come out differently for him because autism affects how part of our brain processes language
Doing things compulsively or obsessively
Children with autism who often do things compulsively or obsessively – This can be a blessing in disguise. If they spend time practicing guitar, then the more hours you put into one thing makes that skill easier to remember for when life throws curveballs and stops us from continuing what we were doing altogether!
Some people might call it a “handicap,” but if you think about the different ways that an individual with autism can benefit from their differences then there is no reason to discourage them.
If you’re considering teaching your child or someone close to you how to play the guitar, do not underestimate their potential. Autism does not have to stand in the way of great music! Children and adults with autism can learn guitar.
Yes. They have the potential to be truly great guitarists.
