When was the last time a song truly spoke to you? Maybe it was the haunting beauty of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata or the raw emotion of Fairuz’s Kifak Inta. For many of us, music brings joy, nostalgia, or fond memories. For children with autism, however, music can have an even deeper impact.
But keep in mind that autism is a spectrum, so not everyone with autism will respond to music the same way. However, for some, music is more than just an emotional outlet—it’s a bridge to communication, connection, and learning.
Zayed Mohammed Al Zaabi: An Emirati Autistic Boy with Extraordinary Musical Talent
On the latest episode of Enara Talks, we explored this transformative power through the story of Zayed Mohammed Al Zaabi, a young Emirati pianist with autism. Diagnosed at three, Zayed’s journey from early intervention to performing at events like the Qasr Al Hosn Festival is nothing short of extraordinary.
In an interview with The National, Zayed shared that he enjoys playing classical music because it makes him feel more relaxed and happier.
His mother, Mariam Kouraichi revealed that his performance of Ballade pour Adeline was the first time he had played with an orchestra, describing it as an outstanding experience. She added that the audience’s cheers and applause at the end of his performance encouraged him to keep going.
She also noted that playing the piano and participating in events had transformed Zayed, helping him overcome his fear of being around others and boosting his self-confidence.
But Zayed’s story is also a window into the science of why music works so well for many children with autism. Let’s take a deeper look into the research, the stories, and the practical ways music can become a lifeline for children on the spectrum.
Why Music Works for Children with Autism
Children with autism often have a unique relationship with music. Research shows that they excel in musical tasks, such as recognizing melodies, identifying emotions in songs, and forming strong musical preferences. According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), many children with autism show great interest in and responsiveness to music.
A review published in PubMed Central (PMC), a leading archive of peer-reviewed medical research, suggests that people with ASD experience music differently from neurotypical individuals. They tend to have better pitch memory and recognition, and music therapy (MT) can improve emotional understanding, attention, and social skills. Interestingly, even autistic children without formal musical training often show heightened sensitivity to pitch and sound quality. (PMC, 2009).
How Music Supports Development
1. It Captures Attention
Nothing can be more powerful that Music to grab and hold attention. For children with autism, who may struggle with focus, this is invaluable. Research highlights that music improves cognitive skills like attention and memory, making it a powerful teaching tool.
2. It Enhances Communication
Many children with autism process the melodic and rhythmic elements of speech more easily than the words themselves. Singing helps them connect these components, improving both receptive and expressive language skills.
For nonverbal children, music also becomes an alternative way to communicate emotions and needs.
3. It Builds Social Skills
Shared musical experiences foster essential social skills like turn-taking, eye contact, and listening. Group activities, such as singing or playing instruments, create enjoyable shared moments that help children connect with others.
Music also reduces self-stimulatory behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking, encouraging more socially adaptive interactions.
4. It Eases Rigidity
Transitions can be stressful for children with autism. Using music as a cue—like a specific song for bedtime—can make changes predictable and less overwhelming.
Improvisational music activities also teach flexibility, helping children adapt to unexpected situations.
5. It Regulates Emotions
Music has a calming effect, releasing hormones that promote happiness and reduce anxiety. For children prone to sensory overload, listening to their favorite tunes can provide comfort.
Music therapists often use songs to help children identify and express emotions. Parents can do the same by exploring playlists that match their child’s moods.
Making music a part of everyday life is an effective way to support your child’s growth. You don’t need to be a therapist—just use songs in daily routines, explore instruments, or enjoy singing and dancing together. These small moments can help your child learn, connect, and develop in ways you might not expect.
For more insights, check out these resources:
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Music improves social communication and auditory–motor connectivity in children with autism - PMC
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https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/mar/01/autism-music-therapy-detroit
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Perfect Pitch and Autism: A Rare Gift (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
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The transformative power of music: Insights into neuroplasticity, health, and disease - PMC
