Continuing on from my last set of blogs surrounding musicians and neurodiversity, (more specifically ADHD) I now look at the implications of autistic spectrum traits and how this can help or hinder.
Musicking connects us and allows us to make sense of the world and ourselves, for some of us it’s a literal bridge, an artistic conduit between us and the outside, musicking is more than just a form of expression or something to sell to others, even more so for those ND individuals. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one particular quirk (my term) characterised by differences in social interaction, communication, and behaviour, that can make life more difficult or give us unique strengths that can be profoundly advantageous in the world of musicking.
One of the most striking aspects of many individuals on the autism spectrum is their exceptional attention to detail and their ability to perceive patterns. In music, this translates to a remarkable capacity for precision and technical skill similar to ADHD (on this note all of these things do cross over quite considerably).
For example, perfect pitch, the rare ability to identify or recreate a musical note without any reference tone, is more common among autistic individuals (although the evidence is slightly wobbly on this – but I like to believe it to be true). This gift can be incredibly beneficial for musicians, allowing them to tune their instruments accurately, compose music intuitively, and perform with confidence. The late jazz savant, Leslie Lemke, who was blind and autistic, exhibited astonishing musical abilities including perfect pitch. His capacity to play complex pieces flawlessly after hearing them only once was a testament to the extraordinary potential of the autistic mind in music.
Another factor common to these traits is hyperfocus, the intense concentration on a specific task for an extended period. This ability can lead to hours of dedicated practice, resulting in mastery of an instrument or a particular piece of music (see the previous blog on ADHD).
Whilst these strengths are notable, musicians with these traits also face challenges. Social interaction and communication difficulties can make collaborating with others or performing in front of an audience daunting. The sensory sensitivities common in autism can also pose challenges in noisy or crowded environments like concert halls or recording studios.
With these difficulties aside, understanding and embracing the unique qualities of autistic musicians can lead to a richer and more diverse musical experience for everyone. Therefore, providing supportive environments that accommodate sensory sensitivities, offering clear communication, and respecting the need for routines is something we can all do to help in this area. More recently, technology has also become an invaluable tool for autistic musicians. From composition software that allows for precise control over musical elements to apps that aid in communication and organisation, technological advancements have opened new avenues for creativity and expression.
The way I see it, the intersection of music and autism is a celebration of neurodiversity. The unique abilities and perspectives that come with being on the spectrum contribute to a richer, more varied musical landscape. By recognising and valuing these differences, we can foster an environment where autistic musicians, or people with these traits (depending which description suits) can flourish and share their extraordinary talents with the world. The other side of this discussion of ND’s and musicking surrounds the power of music listening and how enveloping ourselves in the music of others is a solace and saving grace in the fast paced and often over stimulating world we live in.
Adam Ficek hosts a monthly show 'Tonic Music' on Totally Wired Radio, where he talks to various guests about music and mental health. You can listen again to any of the previous show on the Tonic Music Mixcloud page.
