Music for Autism. Orchestrating Stronger Lives.

1. Our Mission

Music for Autism aims to improve the quality of life and education of individuals on the autism spectrum. Our charity sponsors interactive fund-raising concerts, specifically tailored to be “autism friendly” and to enrich the lives of those with autism. We also support schools and educational units for children and adults with autism in the United Kingdom.

We’re always interested in hearing from people like you who want to learn more about supporting out charity or hold an interactive concert for individuals with autism. Thank you for visiting our website!

2. Our History

John Lubbock and Christine Cairns, both musicians and parents of a son with autism, were determined to share their love of music with other individuals with autism and their families. In June 2002, John and Christine established Music for Autism in the United Kingdom (Charity Commission No 1093907). Their journey began by organizing a series of fundraising concerts and producing Songs for Alexander, a compact disc dedicated to their son, to fund their charity. The CD, available for purchase, features Scottish folk songs performed by British classical musicians such as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir James Galway, Dame Felicity Lott, Evelyn Glennie, Steven Isserlis and others.

From the beginning, Music for Autism’s fund-raising concerts have supported special interactive concerts specifically designed for individuals with autism and their families. These concerts feature members of the Orchestra of St. John’s, conducted and founded by John Lubbock. Concerts are held in halls that appeal to people with autism; there is always open space for them to react to the music through spontaneous dance and movement. These concerts are unique because individuals with autism are exposed to high quality classical music in an environment designed to make them feel comfortable.

In addition to funding the concerts, Music for Autism has supported special units and schools for children with autism through music education programs and equipment grants to furnish sensory rooms and provide school transportation and school supplies. Today Music for Autism has a well-established presence in the United Kingdom, with numerous fund-raising and interactive concerts each year throughout Britain. Because we administer the program without overhead expenses, so far we’ve been able to put every penny we raise directly into the programs run and supported for Music for Autism.

3. Autism & Music

Autism is a baffling developmental disorder that affects socialization and communication and causes repetitive and stereotyped behaviour. These impairments are also often associated with narrow interests and can cause special abilities. Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals to a varying degree. Experts estimate that autism occurs in 0.6% of the population and affects four times as many males as females.

Autism was first reported in 1943 by Leo Kanner. In his classic paper, Kanner presented eleven case studies of children with autism and repeatedly mentioned musical abilities and musical interest in six of the children. Since then, researchers have systematically studied the musical processing abilities of individuals with autism, and have shown that while their language may be deficient; these individuals may process music in similar ways to typically developed individuals.

The existence of a small number of musical savants with autism is yet another fascinating connection between autism and music.

4. Concert Calendar

Interactive Concerts for Individuals with Autism
Dorchester Festival
Dorchester Village Hall
Wednesday, September 14th 2005 at 11.45am and 1.15pm

Windsor Festival
Windsor Castle
Sunday, October 2nd 2005 at 1.30pm and 3.30pm

Springfield School
Witney
Sunday, November 13th 2005 at 3.00pm

Jaqueline Du Pré Music Building
Oxford
Sunday, December 4th 2005 at 1.30pm and 3.30pm

Springfield School
Witney
Sunday, January 29th 2006 at 3.00pm