Why singing can be so beneficial when we are neurodivergent. Singing lessons for people with autism & ADHD. Neurodivergent... neurodiversity...

Singing lessons for neurodivergent teenagers and adults with autism ADHD.

Perhaps a little anecdotal background (if you prefer hard-facts, skip to the section below)...

I began singing aged 8. It was, in many ways, the activity that 'saved me'. It gave me a focus that I could fully understand, and feel, and use to express myself, in a world which at the time I found overwhelming and confusing. At the same age I was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADD (now called ADHD). There weren't any tests back then for the female presentation of autism. Suffice to say, I embody most of the female autistic traits - I am extremely sensitive to sound, touch, light, and change. I notice every tiny detail, and I know how to mask like a pro! It has been a struggle at times - attending a large comprehensive school proved too much for me in my teens and I did not receive the support that, thankfully, is becoming available now (but it's still got a long way to go in my humble opinion!). I have learnt many skills to balance my life and my sensitivities, so that I can live with my energy 'topped up’ and avoid situations that will overwhelm (noisy gatherings - nope!). I would consider my autism also one of my greatest strengths; my ability to focus in on one task and repeat to a point of mastery. And, singing, the psychology of music, anatomy of voice, and its role in our energy system, have been lifelong 'special interests'. When I work with a client, they get 100% of my focus - and I am often able to sense and feel what they are feeling and thus guide where we go next.

I now feel grateful that I understand, from personal experience, the struggles that many people face who are living life with Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent ways of being. It can be extremely challenging. I have deep empathy & compassion for the neurodivergent struggles, and a passion to support others in finding their joy, their calm, their expression, and their voice through singing - just as I have.

In my coaching style, I believe that there is great power in feeling met just as we are - with nothing to change. To feel safe, unmask, and express freely and authentically.

I care deeply about the individual's wellbeing, and the sessions take us on a journey of discovery - finding that voice that is uniquely yours, and claiming it! The breathing, the warm-ups, the song work, the 'feeling seen'... all help the nervous-system to regulate, and boost dopamine (our feel-good hormone), and build confidence, so you will leave feeling calm and up-lifted.

It is important to me that my clients speak their needs - sometimes we sing wearing fluffy blankets wrapped around the shoulders; sometimes we take a pause to just listen to the song without demands on us, or to be quite; stimming is so welcomed! I invite you to do whatever feels best for you, moment by moment. We all have unique sensory needs, and I aim to support and honour them

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I have been doing this work for 23 years now, and there is nothing more wonderful than watching someone 'find their shine' through their singing.

I work with people aged 11 and upwards (I have a client who began singing with me for the first time in their 80s). If you feel a calling to try singing - please do get in touch.

Joy & voice,

Jodie

Here is some information about the benefit of singing for adults with ASD and adults with ADHD:

ASD -

Singing can provide numerous benefits for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including-

Improvements in communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and cognitive abilities. It offers an alternative mode of expression and connection that can be particularly effective for individuals who find verbal communication challenging. 

Communication and emotional expression

• Alternative communication outlet: For those who struggle with verbal communication, singing offers channel to express thoughts and emotions through melody and rhythm.

• Emotional regulation: Music is a powerful tool for mood management, and singing can help individuals process and regulate their feelings in a safe, structured way. It is linked to increased self-awareness and can help reduce stress and anxiety.

• Creative self-expression: Singing provides a platform for creativity and self-expression, allowing individuals to explore their unique perspectives and find a voice for our experiences. 

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Social and cognitive benefits

• Increased confidence and connection: Group singing and singing lessons can reduce social anxiety, build self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging and connection with peers and the wider community.

• Cognitive enhancement: Learning and memorizing songs provides a "whole-brain workout" that can boost cognitive functions such as attention, focus, memory, and problem-solving skills.

• Sensory integration: The structured, rhythmic, and melodic nature of singing can help individuals with ASD regulate their sensory experiences and reduce the impact of sensory overload by providing a calming and predictable environment.

• Routine and structure: For individuals who find comfort in routine, singing lessons or regular practice can provide a consistent and predictable structure that helps reduce anxiety

ADHD-

Singing can provide numerous benefits for adults with ADHD, including-

Singing is a unique and accessible activity with significant benefits for individuals with ADHD, including boosting attention, improving memory, enhancing emotional regulation, strengthening auditory processing, and fostering social connection and emotional expression.These benefits stem from music's ability to activate specific brain networks, increase dopamine, and create a structured environment that helps regulate mood and motivation.  

Cognitive Benefits

• Improved Attention and Focus:

  The structured rhythm and melody of music can activate brain networks that improve attention control and the ability to filter out distractions, allowing for better focus on important stimuli. 

• Enhanced Memory:

  Engaging with music, especially learning to sing, can strengthen working memory, which is crucial for temporary information storage and processing while performing tasks. 

• Better Auditory Processing:

  Music training helps the brain "turn sound into meaning," improving the ability to understand and interpret sounds, a common challenge for those with ADHD. 

  
  

Emotional and Social Benefits

• Improved Emotional Regulation:

  Singing can help manage emotional dysregulation by providing a healthy outlet for emotional expression and a structured way to process emotions. 

• Increased Social Skills and Connection:

  Participating in group singing activities, like choirs or singing lessons, builds social cohesion and fosters empathy by synchronizing brain activity among participants, creating a sense of community. 

• Dopamine Release:

  Pleasurable music can increase dopamine levels in the brain, which is beneficial as individuals with ADHD often have lower dopamine levels affecting attention and motivation. 

  
  

Functional Benefits 

• Increased Motivation:

  The dopamine boost from music can increase motivation, which is particularly helpful for individuals with ADHD who often struggle with drive and task initiation.

• Structured Environment:

  Singing provides a predictable, structured activity that can help to organize daily life and reduce symptoms of hyperactivity.

Singing lessons for teenagers and adults with ASD (Autism) and ADHD. Why singing is so beneficial when we are neurodivergent. Singing lessons for people with autism ADHD neurodivergent neurodiversity.

We are all unique, we are all beautiful.