Outside of our day services, many of the people we support enjoy listening and singing along to music in their own homes. Everyone is different, but music is an important part of the routines of so many of the people we support; with some having one particular type of music or specific artist they really love or have specialist knowledge of.

People we support are also encouraged to enjoy the feeling of movement, where it is safe to do so, and lots of individuals love to dance. We run a monthly disco for our residents to attend, and they come from right across the area – with their support workers – to meet up with friends, enjoy a snack and drink, and choose some of their favourite tunes to dance and sing-a-long too!

As some people are less inclined or less comfortable in attending a communal disco event, we also offer ‘disco-at-home’ kits, where our staff can borrow all the items they might need to bring the disco to the people they support – including microphones for karaoke fun too!

Autism support in music and dance

Across our different locations offering day services to autistic adults, we try to ensure there are options for people we support to enjoy dance and music. Some areas have specific dance groups where individuals can dance for fun to their favourite songs. Sometimes the groups will practice certain routines and give performances, perhaps at Christmas events or outside in the summer months. We have recently offered people the chance to try their hand at ballet!

Some of our locations have musical instruments which the people we support are encouraged to try. Ability isn’t important, though many individuals in our services have real aptitude and talent for playing music. One of our staff has started giving guitar lessons, while others gather interested individuals to practice playing together.

We even have our own rock group, The Beathovens, who play both covers and their own original songs. They have a flamboyant frontman and a keen set of musicians to back him. The group has had a rolling line-up over the years and have played at many events, both inside and outside of our charity.

The importance of music and dance for autistic adults

Music and dance can be key outlets for the people we support, allowing them space for expression, creativity and growth. By offering access to these activities, we can help the autistic adults in our services unlock their potential and to thrive, both individually and together.