I'm a K - 6 music teacher. I love my autistic kids. Their level of focus in music class is great. I also have a handbell group (4th - 6th) who visit nursing homes and perform. My autistic kids can outshine any of my 6th graders who feel that they are the best.
I have a parent who cried at our spring concert last May because her son was so good at handbells. He had one of the largest parts in our 6th grade song. It was interesting to me. Before we started to play, I had to make eye contact with the child and ask him if he was focused. When he replied, I knew it was time to start the song. I will always treasure the memories of this particular boy. He really was gifted in music.
This website is very helpful. We have not offically started the "program" but have done many of hours of research into this idea of "listening therapy"
I have found a wonderful music therapy program here in San Diego. They finally have an opening for us. My ds gets to go next week for a meeting with the therapist and then we will decide what sort of lessons he will have and what the game plan will be - I am so excited to get started!!! I hope he will enjoy it and it is helpful.
We have done music therapy--the vitallinks one--with Chandler. You use modulated music and have to have Seinheisser headphones which are very $$$. He liked it, but I didn't see any huge improvements. Same with Sensory Learning Center...we did that and the only thing I saw was a short term reduction in addiction to the TV.