I am now in my early sixties; was diagnosed with Asperger’s in my late forties; and spent the first nearly thirty years of life doing exactly this… – communicating with and through music, almost daily. I was lucky to do this through a cathedral choir; local music society; and then my own choirs: and was mostly very happy (except when something like Elgar’s Violin Concerto or Japan’s Ghosts tore my heart out, and I cried for reasons other people didn’t quite understand; and would sometimes make fun of…).
But the real world beckoned: and for twenty years or so, first employment, then a series of serious motor accidents (which rendered me physically disabled), forced me to mask more, and for longer, than I ever had done. Eventually, I started a blog, and was asked by a local professional chamber orchestra to be their ‘writer in reticence’: interviewing soloists and composers, writing programme notes, etc..
I was surprised (but probably shouldn’t have been) by just how many neurodivergent people are professional musicians (some extremely famous): but, for two years or so, deeply re-immersed in music, and surrounded by those who truly ‘got’ me, and with whom I could be myself, I was the happiest I think I have ever been… – apart from at the birth of my son: now a bassist who produces and mixes his band’s reasonably successful CDs… – communicating with and through music in a way, and with an intensity, I did not know possible.
Even though that period is over, it stays with/within me, having taught me so much, so very quickly, about myself. I have therefore remained true to my natural, autistic, self; and vowed never to let go of the music again (despite my congenital hearing loss), nor those lessons.
Amazing, and really moving. Huge thanks for posting. It means a lot. I know exactly what you mean about Ghosts. The connections between neurodivergence and music are indeed overlooked...
Looking forward to getting to know you and James better through these Substacks, John, and to reading your book in due course ... you continue to be one of the most insightful and inspirational Guardian writers, IMO.
Brilliant article. In thirty-three years as an occupational therapist, I have worked extensively with Autistic children at the preschool level. In the United States, we focus a lot on sensory processing skills, in which most children are over sensitivity-sensory avoiding and children who dislike sound and loud noises. One of my strategies that appears to work is using music to regulate auditory input. When introduced to a child, first slow songs/music, then move the music/songs to high octaves. For example, I sent you the letter to Deep Purple and Ian Gillan (4 1/2 to 5 octaves), helping children gradually acclimate to different sound levels. Their music has been a fantastic tool for the children's tolerance of background noise.
Keep up the good work.
Please give Deep Purple and Ian Gillan this vital message because they touched precious special needs children.
I have known two autistic musicians, both very talented. One used to come to sessions with ear defenders on, taking them off for the music. They were both miles better than me. Music is something special. So happy you found it
I grew up with undiagnosed autism and alexithymia (problems recognising emotions). But music always made me feel. (Or, should I say, feel at home.)
I am now in my early sixties; was diagnosed with Asperger’s in my late forties; and spent the first nearly thirty years of life doing exactly this… – communicating with and through music, almost daily. I was lucky to do this through a cathedral choir; local music society; and then my own choirs: and was mostly very happy (except when something like Elgar’s Violin Concerto or Japan’s Ghosts tore my heart out, and I cried for reasons other people didn’t quite understand; and would sometimes make fun of…).
But the real world beckoned: and for twenty years or so, first employment, then a series of serious motor accidents (which rendered me physically disabled), forced me to mask more, and for longer, than I ever had done. Eventually, I started a blog, and was asked by a local professional chamber orchestra to be their ‘writer in reticence’: interviewing soloists and composers, writing programme notes, etc..
I was surprised (but probably shouldn’t have been) by just how many neurodivergent people are professional musicians (some extremely famous): but, for two years or so, deeply re-immersed in music, and surrounded by those who truly ‘got’ me, and with whom I could be myself, I was the happiest I think I have ever been… – apart from at the birth of my son: now a bassist who produces and mixes his band’s reasonably successful CDs… – communicating with and through music in a way, and with an intensity, I did not know possible.
Even though that period is over, it stays with/within me, having taught me so much, so very quickly, about myself. I have therefore remained true to my natural, autistic, self; and vowed never to let go of the music again (despite my congenital hearing loss), nor those lessons.
Amazing, and really moving. Huge thanks for posting. It means a lot. I know exactly what you mean about Ghosts. The connections between neurodivergence and music are indeed overlooked...
I love the idea of being a "writer in reticence". My dream job.
Looking forward to getting to know you and James better through these Substacks, John, and to reading your book in due course ... you continue to be one of the most insightful and inspirational Guardian writers, IMO.
Thanks so much!
Brilliant article. In thirty-three years as an occupational therapist, I have worked extensively with Autistic children at the preschool level. In the United States, we focus a lot on sensory processing skills, in which most children are over sensitivity-sensory avoiding and children who dislike sound and loud noises. One of my strategies that appears to work is using music to regulate auditory input. When introduced to a child, first slow songs/music, then move the music/songs to high octaves. For example, I sent you the letter to Deep Purple and Ian Gillan (4 1/2 to 5 octaves), helping children gradually acclimate to different sound levels. Their music has been a fantastic tool for the children's tolerance of background noise.
Keep up the good work.
Please give Deep Purple and Ian Gillan this vital message because they touched precious special needs children.
I have known two autistic musicians, both very talented. One used to come to sessions with ear defenders on, taking them off for the music. They were both miles better than me. Music is something special. So happy you found it
I forgot to say I recommend blues music.