Whether it’s to provide relaxation or to develop coordination or motor skills, playing music instruments is a great activity for kids who have autism.
Here are five instruments that might be good to consider, according to an article on musical-mind.com.
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1). Ukulele
Strumming strings on this instrument helps develop motor control, and it has four strings compared to a full-size guitar with six strings. The ukulele is also easier to hold than a guitar and doesn't produce horrible sounds if a wrong note is hit. Ukuleles also aren't that expensive, with prices ranging from $50 to $100.
2). Recorder
Not only is this instrument easy to hold, cheap (some models are less than $10) and helps develop motor skills, but it is also a good way for children with autism to learn breathing control. High-pitched notes can be a potential problem, but if that can be harnessed, this is a good and inexpensive instrument.
3). Xylophone/glockenspiel
Another small and inexpensive instrument (ranging from $50 to $100), this helps kids with autism develop impulse control and hand-eye coordination.
4). Trumpet
With only three keys, there's an advantage here. The trumpet also helps develop breathing control and has a unique sound that appeals to kids, particularly older ones who want to get into the band at school.
5). Bongos
Simply hitting bongos can be a good way to enjoy sound and work off some energy. But if there's a desire to get more in-depth, learning to play them along to music develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills. A sense of movement and rhythm can especially be developed with bongos, which can be played sitting down or standing up.