How Music Therapy Helped Randy Find His Way

By BriAnne Weaver, MM, MT-BC

When 11-year-old Randy started music therapy, his family hoped it might be the key to unlocking progress. Randy had a lot to manage—he’d been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and ADHD. While he thrived on social interactions and loved making others laugh with jokes or sharing his favorite toys, his struggles with flexibility and emotional regulation often left him feeling frustrated and disconnected.

Randy’s parents, determined to give him the best support, embraced a multidisciplinary approach to therapy. His treatment included behavior therapy (with a behavior analyst and a registered behavior technician), art therapy, and music therapy. What made Randy’s team unique was their dedication to working together—they met frequently to share insights, adjust goals, and ensure their strategies were aligned. This teamwork, combined with Randy’s growing engagement in music therapy, became a turning point in his therapeutic journey.

The Unique Role of Music Therapy

Music therapy became a crucial part of Randy’s progress because it offered something other therapies couldn’t—a way to process emotions, build social skills, and explore his challenges in a non-verbal and less-threatening way. Music served as both a metaphor for life and a medium for learning. The way Randy interacted with his therapist within the music often mirrored his interactions with others in daily life. This allowed him to explore and rehearse new skills in a safe and engaging environment.

Enhancing Social Skills

  • Music is inherently social. Through shared music-making, Randy practiced taking turns, listening, and collaborating—skills that had often been difficult for him in other contexts.
  • For example, during improvisational sessions, Randy and his therapist used xylophones and drums to create melodies together. At first, he struggled to let the therapist take the lead or respond appropriately to her cues. Over time, Randy learned to adjust his playing to complement hers, discovering the joy of working together. These moments of connection helped him build confidence and practice teamwork.

Reducing Maladaptive Behaviors

  • Structured musical activities provided Randy with a way to practice cooperation and adaptability.
  • In one activity, Randy’s therapist invited him to match her tempo on a drum. Initially, he resisted following her lead, becoming frustrated when asked to slow down or wait his turn. Gradually, through repeated practice, Randy learned to regulate his impulses and approach the interaction as a collaboration rather than a competition. These experiences helped lay the groundwork for more flexible and cooperative behaviors outside of therapy.

Improving Emotional Regulation

  • The rhythmic, predictable nature of music helped Randy find calm during moments of dysregulation. His therapist used tools like metronomes and repetitive patterns to help him process big emotions and regain control.
  • Randy’s favorite activity was creating drum rhythms. His therapist guided him to channel his frustration into strong, purposeful beats, then introduced softer, slower rhythms to help him transition from feeling overwhelmed to calm. These exercises not only soothed Randy in the moment but also gave him strategies to manage his emotions in other settings.

Turning Meltdowns Into Progress

Randy’s challenges with flexibility were a major source of conflict. During one after-school program, the group voted to go to an ice cream shop, but Randy wanted to go to the park. When the group decision didn’t go his way, Randy had a meltdown. He shouted, threw objects, and ultimately missed out on the activity. His peers became more hesitant to engage with him, and Randy felt rejected and embarrassed.

A few days later, in music therapy, Randy had the opportunity to revisit this experience—but in a way that felt less direct and overwhelming. His therapist used drums to recreate the emotions he experienced that day. Together, they began by playing fast, chaotic rhythms to reflect his frustration and anger. Gradually, the therapist slowed the tempo, encouraging Randy to follow her lead. This rhythmic shift mirrored the emotional transition Randy needed to make during the meltdown but hadn’t been able to in the moment.

Because the session happened after the incident, Randy was better able to process what had happened. When emotions are too big, it’s nearly impossible to gain perspective or integrate insights. The space between the meltdown and the session allowed Randy to reflect on his behavior more clearly. Through the music, he could explore how his actions impacted others—without feeling judged or defensive.

Music provided a safe, symbolic way for Randy to confront his role in the incident. As he listened and responded to the therapist’s cues, he began to see how cooperation and flexibility could lead to more positive outcomes. This realization didn’t come from a lecture or conversation but from the way he engaged with the music—a non-verbal, experiential learning process that resonated deeply with him.

Generalizing Skills Beyond the Therapy Room

The progress Randy made in music therapy didn’t stay in the session—it carried over into other areas of his life. His behavior analyst used similar strategies, like reinforcing turn-taking and flexibility, during ABA sessions. His art therapist built on his emotional awareness by encouraging him to express his feelings visually. Even at home, Randy’s parents played calming music during transitions, helping him practice self-regulation in real-time.

This collaborative approach amplified the impact of each therapy, creating a consistent environment where Randy could apply what he learned across settings. His music therapy sessions became a bridge between his emotions and his ability to communicate and connect with others.

Real Progress, Real Hope

Randy’s journey is far from over, but the growth he’s made is inspiring. He’s learning to handle disappointment with less resistance and is taking responsibility for his actions more often. When the group doesn’t choose his preferred activity, he’s better at going along with the decision, knowing his turn will come. His relationships with peers are improving, and he’s finding more moments of joy and connection.

For parents of children with complex needs, Randy’s story is a reminder of what’s possible. Music therapy isn’t just about making music—it’s about creating opportunities for growth, insight, and connection. With the right support, collaboration, and patience, progress can happen in ways that are profound and lasting.