Autism and music -why it helps communication

Autism is something many people have heard of, but not everyone truly understands. It's often surrounded by misconceptions, and because autism is a spectrum, every autistic person's experience is unique. There is no single way to be autistic, and every individual deserves to be understood for who they are.

For me, autism isn't just something I've read about. It's something I've experienced through someone I love.

My second cousin has autism, and although he's still young, watching him grow has been one of the greatest honours of my life. His journey hasn't always been easy. He understands far more than many people realise, but communicating those thoughts and feelings can be incredibly difficult. That can be be frustrating for him and, at times, heartbreaking for the people who love him.

One of the people I've admired most throughout this journey is my cousin, Christina. I've watched her fight fiercely for her son, making sure his voice is heard even when he can't always express it himself. She celebrates every achievement, no matter how small it may seem to someone else, because she knows just how much determination and hard work lies behind each milestone.

One memory will stay with me forever. Christina sent me a video of Arlo saying, "juice."

To most people, it might have sounded like he was asking for a drink, but I knew exactly what he meant. Juice by Lizzo had been one of his favourite song. Every time it came on, his face would light up with excitement. He loved it so much that he'd learned to say "juice" to let Christina know he wanted her to play it.

I remember watching that video with tears in my eyes. It wasn't just about hearing him say the word. It was about what that word represented. He had found a way to communicate something that brought him joy.

That moment reminded me that communication isn't always about long conversations or perfectly formed sentences. Sometimes it's a single word that carries a world of meaning. For Arlo, "juice" wasn't just a word. It was excitement, connection, and a way of sharing something he loved with the people around him.

It's moments like these that remind me why music matters so much. It has the power to break down barriers, create connections, and give people another way to express themselves. Something as simple as a favourite song can become a bridge between thoughts, emotions, and the people who care enough to listen.