I cannot hear you When I ’ m in a hurry I can see when you ’ re not happy . I went to the airport I went on the plane I can see when you ’ re not happy I went to the factory Where they make lots of cheese I can see when you ’ re not happy
AUTISM SOLUTIONS
Ways Music Intervention Can Support Social Interaction
By Dominique LEVACK
I Can See When You ’ re Not Happy
I cannot hear you When I ’ m in a hurry I can see when you ’ re not happy . I went to the airport I went on the plane I can see when you ’ re not happy I went to the factory Where they make lots of cheese I can see when you ’ re not happy
This is the work of Oliver , who is a 26-year-old music student from Brighton in the UK .
Interesting lyrics , but nothing too usual , you may say . And under ordinary circumstances , you would be right . However , Oliver is autistic and echo laic . So these lyrics take you on a more significant thought trail , one that allows you a window into the world of a young man who is unable to vocally express himself in fluid speech . He is , however , more than able to express himself through song .
The significance of putting a melody to these words frees up his cognitive ability and reaches through his autistic mind , allowing perfect speech to emerge through song lyrics . This , in itself , is a little miracle , and for Oliver , one can only imagine the freedom and sheer joy of this flow . It ’ s like letting in the sunshine from tightly drawn curtains .
The first time Oliver and I were in the studio recording his songs , we were playing back the vocal track on its own to get a mix level , and Olli ’ s face lit up . He beamed like the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland . It took me several minutes to work out why he was having such a positive reaction , as most people cringe when they hear themselves singing back through professional speakers . Olli , on the other hand , seemed to be in rapture . Eyes closed and face pointed toward the speakers , he was listening to himself singing . He heard the essence of himself , his voice , unhindered and flowing like a river . He was in tune , in time , and in control of his expressions , and I marveled at what that might feel like after 26 years . An undiscovered part of him suddenly burst forth , singing his thoughts and feelings in a song .
12 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 65