top of page
Search

Creating Space for Every Voice: New Resources for Autism-Friendly Singing

At the Sing Up Foundation, we believe that singing has the power to transform mental health and wellbeing. But for this transformation to happen, young people need to feel safe, understood, and welcomed in musical spaces.


Today, we're excited to share new resources that explore how thoughtfully designed singing programs can support the wellbeing of autistic young people:


Autism-Friendly Singing & Mental Health

Autism is part of natural human diversity. Autistic people experience and interact with the world in distinct ways that bring unique strengths and perspectives. However, research shows us that autistic young people experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges than their neurotypical peers.


The reasons for this are complex and multifaceted. Research indicates that factors including social difficulties, peer problems, bullying, and the stress of navigating environments that don't accommodate different sensory and communication needs can all contribute to mental health challenges. Autistic young people may face:

  • Unpredictable situations that create anxiety and stress

  • Social isolation when activities don't feel accessible to them

  • Repeated experiences of not fitting in that can affect self-esteem

  • Sensory overwhelm without appropriate support or understanding


These experiences can take a significant toll on mental wellbeing. This is where thoughtfully designed singing programs can make a real difference.


Young singers from Sutton Music Trust's Autistic Children's Choir

Supportive Space

Music has a unique capacity to be what choir leader Nat Vesty calls "an incredible leveler of a playing field." Thoughtfully designed singing programs can provide supportive environments where many autistic young people find they can participate comfortably. When programs are designed with autism-friendly approaches, singing can offer:

  • Predictable routines that help reduce anxiety

  • Celebration of different ways of participating

  • Understanding and support for sensory needs

  • Multiple ways to communicate

  • Focus on individual progress rather than group performance

  • Opportunities to develop confidence and self-belief


These supportive environments can contribute to positive mental health outcomes: reduced anxiety, increased social connection, improved self-esteem, and genuine joy in musical expression.


Learning from Real Experience

We're thrilled to introduce our new Autistic Youth Choir Case Study, which shares the journey of Sutton Music Trust in creating their successful autism-friendly choir. Through conversations with Emily Murphy (Senior Vocal Curriculum Leader) and Nat Vesty (choir leader), we've captured honest insights about what works, what doesn't, and how patience and consistency create environments where autistic young people can thrive.


The case study reveals inspiring stories of gradual engagement – participants who initially stayed at the back of the room with sensory toys slowly building trust over weeks and months until they felt safe enough to join in. As one participant shared: "I like that all autistic people can be involved... I like that the sessions are not too overstimulating or tiring for me." This patience-centered approach recognizes that wellbeing comes first, and musical participation follows naturally when young people feel secure.


Practical Resources for Your Organization

Alongside the case study, we've developed comprehensive resources to help music organizations and schools create their own autism-friendly singing opportunities:


Our detailed guidance covers essential elements including:

  • Building brave, supportive teams

  • Partnering with autism specialists

  • Creating predictable, trust-building routines

  • Understanding that every autistic person is unique

  • Choosing empowering repertoire

  • Focusing on wellbeing over performance

Each tip is grounded in real experience and includes specific examples from successful programs.


Download our Autism-Friendly Singing Checklist.

For organisations ready to take action, our free PDF checklist provides a complete 4-phase action plan covering:

  • Research and connecting with autism specialists

  • Program design with autism-specific considerations

  • Team preparation and training

  • Launch and ongoing development


This practical tool helps you move from good intentions to meaningful action.


The Mental Health Connection

By creating autism-friendly singing spaces, we're creating environments where autistic young people can participate comfortably and experience positive outcomes for their mental health and wellbeing. These environments provide:

  • Acceptance of their unique ways of participating and engaging

  • Safety through consistent routines and clear expectations

  • Understanding of their sensory and communication preferences

  • Community where they can be authentically themselves

  • Success defined on their own terms


These positive experiences can support mental health and wellbeing. Anxiety can decrease. Confidence can grow. Social connections can form. And the joy of making music becomes accessible.


This is singing for mental health in action – creating supportive spaces where autistic young people can flourish.


Your Next Steps

Whether you're a music organisation, school, or community group, these resources can help you create welcoming singing opportunities for autistic young people in your area. As Emily Murphy from Sutton Music Trust says: "If you see that there's a gap in your provision and you want to do something about it, then have no fear, just do it."


The autistic young people in your community are waiting for the musical opportunities you can create.


Explore the resources:

Every autism-friendly singing program starts with someone brave enough to take the first step. Could that be you?


About This Project

Many thanks to Emily Murphy, Nat Vesty and Sutton Music Trust for sharing their insights so openly, and to all the young people and families who have been part of this journey.

bottom of page