Music Therapy for Autistic Children and Young People in Sydney

I provide music therapy for autistic children and young people, and their families, across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Sessions use music in a structured, evidence-informed way to support communication, emotional regulation, social connection, cognitive skills and daily life.

On this page, I explain:

how music therapy can support autistic children and young people
what a session can look like
how I adapt to sensory, communication and learning needs
how this fits with NDIS funding
how to get started

On this page I use the terms “autistic children and young people” and “children on the autism spectrum”. I respect each person’s language preferences and am happy to use the words that feel right for you and your family.

How can music therapy support autistic children and young people?

Music therapy uses multisensory musical experiences – playing, singing, listening, moving and creating – to support areas that are often important for autistic children, young people and their families, including:

Communication and language
- building expressive and receptive language (verbally and non-verbally)
- developing shared attention and turn-taking
- supporting initiation and response in interaction
- communication likes and dislikes
Emotional awareness and regulation
- using rhythm, melody and musical structure to support regulation
- practising regulation strategies during music-based relaxation activities
- co-regulation with a trusted adult through predictable musical patterns
Social connection and participation
- practising joint activities, play skills, waiting, sharing, leading and following
- building confidence in safe, structured musical interactions
- when possible, involving siblings, peers or family members
Sensory processing and motor skills
- using beat, movement and vibration to support body awareness
- supporting planning and sequencing of movements
- exploring sensory input in a predictable, supported way
- supporting the development of fine and gross motor skills
Cognitive and learning skills
- supporting sequencing through musical patterns and routines
- working with memory and recall using familiar songs, short melodies, and repetition
- practising attention, planning, problem-solving, and flexible thinking in music-based activities
- reinforcing learning skills in a motivating, structured, and enjoyable context
Identity, strengths and joy
- making space for preferred music and special interests
- supporting self-expression in ways that feel safe and genuine
- building positive, strength-based experiences around music

Every child is different. My role is to work with each child and to identify priorities and shape music therapy around the child’s strengths, interests and needs, rather than fitting them into a fixed program.

What does a music therapy session look like for an autistic child?

A music therapy session for an autistic child or young person is predictable, but flexible. We usually follow a similar routine each time – arriving and checking in, settling with familiar or preferred music, working on specific goals through music-based activities, and then winding down and closing the session in a consistent way.

The difference is that I adjust the pace, activities and sensory input to suit the child on that day – for example, using more repetition, clearer musical cues, lower volume, or extra movement if that is regulating.

For a general overview of what happens in a music therapy session, you can also read the What to expect page.

How I adapt sessions for autistic children and young people

When I work with autistic clients, I pay careful attention to:

Sensory needs
- adjusting volume, tempo and instrument choice
- offering options for movement or stillness
- watching closely for signs of overload or discomfort and responding quickly
Communication preferences
- supporting spoken language, alternative communication and non-verbal interaction
- allowing plenty of processing time
- using repetition and predictable patterns
- building interaction through musical turn-taking, not relying only on spoken language
Need for structure and predictability
- using clear routines and musical or visual cues
- signalling transitions within the music (for example, particular phrases meaning “finished” or “change”)
- keeping some elements familiar while gently introducing new experiences
Interests and strengths
- bringing in preferred music, characters, themes or instruments
- using special interests as a bridge to connection and learning
- recognising and affirming the child’s own ways of engaging with music

The aim is not to change who a child is, but to use music in a way that supports their comfort, communication, participation and wellbeing.

Working with families, schools and other supports

Music therapy is most effective when it sits well alongside a child’s broader supports.

Where appropriate and with consent, I:

collaborate with parents and carers around goals, routines and priorities
liaise with teachers and learning support staff in schools or early childhood settings
communicate with other allied health professionals (for example, speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and behaviour support practitioners)
share simple musical ideas or strategies that families or staff may wish to use between sessions, when appropriate

For some children, sessions take place at home; for others, at school or online. We decide this together based on what is most practical and supportive.

NDIS funding for autistic children and young people

Many autistic children and young people I see are NDIS participants and use their funding to access music therapy.

Music therapy is most commonly funded under:

Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living

Depending on the wording of the plan and the child’s goals, music therapy may also connect with supports related to social and community participation, emotional wellbeing or building daily living skills.

I work with:

self-managed NDIS participants
plan-managed NDIS participants

If you would like more detail about how NDIS funding works with music therapy, you can also read my NDIS & Funding page.

Where sessions take place

Resonance Music Therapy is a mobile practice, supporting autistic children and young people across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

I offer:

home visits
sessions in schools and early learning settings (by arrangement)
sessions in other community settings where appropriate
online music therapy Telehealth sessions, where suitable

We can discuss which setting is likely to be most comfortable and practical for your child and family.

How long and how often are sessions?

Individual music therapy sessions are 60 minutes in length.

In most cases, I recommend weekly sessions. Meeting weekly helps build consistency, therapeutic rapport and momentum, and allows us to gradually deepen the work we do in sessions.

If needed, the frequency of sessions can be reviewed over time in line with the child’s goals, energy and funding, but weekly sessions are usually the most effective starting point.

How to get started

If you are a parent, carer or support coordinator for an autistic child or young person and would like to explore music therapy:

Get in touch
Call 0498 467 379 or use the contact form on this website.
Brief phone conversation
We can talk about your child, their strengths and challenges, your priorities, current supports and any NDIS funding.
Plan an initial session
If it feels like a good fit, we will book an initial 60-minute session and discuss a plan for ongoing weekly sessions, with regular check-ins around progress and fit.

If you are unsure whether music therapy is the right option, you are still welcome to contact me. A short conversation can often clarify the next step.