Dada’s Music Therapy Story

Thanks to Music Heals' ongoing support, PASS is able to provide consistent Music Therapy sessions for autistic young adults across our Vancouver and Burnaby locations. This reliable access to therapeutic support creates opportunities for participants to build confidence, express themselves creatively, and grow at their own pace.

Our Music Therapist recently shared Dada's story, which beautifully illustrates this impact.

Dada often begins Music Therapy sessions by observing, taking time to settle before engaging. With consistent support from Music Heals, he is able to participate at his own pace, building trust, routine, and a sense of safety over time. 

As sessions connect with his interests, his engagement grows. He becomes animated when exploring music from around the world, sharing his knowledge of geography, and asking questions about languages and places. These moments create natural opportunities for meaningful communication. 

In a recent songwriting activity, Dada showed increased confidence in making choices. He responded immediately when asked whether the song should be fast or slow, and whether it should be happy or sad. When asked to identify three favourite things to include in a song, he took his time but was able to generate ideas with minimal support, choosing the weather outside, spicy ramen noodles, and his friends.  

He has also begun exploring instruments more independently, recently requesting to play guitar and experimenting with sound in a focused and curious way. 

These moments reflect meaningful progress. Dada is increasingly willing to engage and express himself. Music therapy continues to support his confidence and communication, offering a space where he can grow in his own way through music.