How drumming with Sense has brought Autunm to life
Music is so important to the work we do here at Sense.
I see that clearly when I support Autunm, 29, to attend the weekly drumming sessions here in our Rotherham service.
Autunm has autism, epilepsy and learning difficulties. She absolutely loves music. She lights up when she’s singing and dancing, and we can’t keep her away from the karaoke mic.
But her favourite time of all is her Monday afternoon drumming session. She absolutely loves it.
Drumming transforms Autunm into a different person
It’s amazing to see how drumming brings Autunm out of her shell.
Autunm often has what we call shutdown periods. This is when she becomes very withdrawn and doesn’t speak or communicate.
But when she’s in a drumming session, she’s like a totally different person.
It really brings out her sociable side, taking part in this activity with all of her peers. Expressing herself musically also helps her to communicate. She loves to be around people.
She does have periods where she can get really low, but the drumming always brings her up. It makes her more energetic and lively, and keeps the brain ticking over. It just keeps her upbeat.
Everyone deserves to feel included at Christmas
Music brings us all together, but people with complex disabilities are often shut out of this experience. Thanks to your support, Sense can keep providing opportunities for everyone to express themselves through music.
Drumming brings everyone together
“Music is so important for helping us all to feel connected to one another. That’s especially true around Christmas time, when we all love a Christmas song or five.”
Paul, who runs the drumming sessions, is amazing at going around the circle and getting everybody excited and involved.
No matter their disability, he treats everybody as equal and finds a way to encourage them and get them drumming.
Autunm loves drumming along to Night Fever by the Bee Gees, and to songs from the Lion King.
Paul also likes to make up his own songs to drum along to. One of Autunm’s favourites goes, “I like chocolate cake, I like chocolate cake…!” He finds fun ways to make it engaging for everyone.
It gets very loud in there, which isn’t for everyone – some people with sensory needs might find it overwhelming. But Autunm, she loves loud! She loves music, she loves dancing.
Music connects us all at Christmas time
Drumming has made such a big impact on Autunm’s life.
Firstly, having the routine of going drumming every Monday afternoon has been so good for her.
It keeps her engaged, and it gives her something to focus on.
As well as the musical element, the physical exercise is really good for her. It’s helped her with her movement, motor skills and coordination. And she gets so much out of the feel of the drum, the sensory feedback it gives her.
It helps her to express her emotions. You can imagine how good it feels to hit a drum if you’re feeling angry!
Perhaps most of all, she enjoys being part of a group. She loves the interaction with everybody.
Music is so important for helping us all to feel connected to one another. That’s especially true around Christmas time, when we all love a Christmas song or five.
Autunm knows all the words to all the Christmas songs. I’d say one of her favourites seems to be Last Christmas by Wham. I’m sure we’ll get her drumming or singing karaoke along to that one soon!
Find out more about our impact
Read more stories from disabled people with complex needs and their families who access our services.