Bristol Autism Support - Autumn 2024
In 2024 Bristol Autism Support (BAS) and Garrick & Harry (BMT) teamed up to provide group taster sessions and a group music therapy project for Bristol Autism Support service users.
We discussed Bristol Autism Support’s mission and what was possible together. We opened the question up, asking Bristol Autism Support service users what they were most interested in. They overwhelmingly responded that they’d like their children to be able to access group music therapy.
We held two taster sessions, North Bristol & South Bristol, later facilitating a music therapy group for six children, lasting eight sessions from September through to November. The sessions included a mixture of musical games, storytelling, improvised music and reflection.
Together In Music
Children, parents and therapists agreed that group cohesion and togetherness in music changed over time, with members listening to each other and contributing more together as time went on.
Social Interaction
The group members experienced a wide range of social interactions. Some were very positive, and some were difficult to navigate. Group members became more able to express their needs in the group, as well as better negotiate between each other during games.
Sharing and Expressing
Some group members shared important personal experiences with the group. Their experiences were incorporated into the group music making. Some parents said that their child became more confident expressing themselves outside of the group.
Relationships
The group members experienced a variety of relationships between themselves and the therapists. Several parents fed back that group members had become friends outside the group, and continued to spend time together after the group finished.