Music Guide for Educators of Autistic Pupils

Live Music Now and the University of South Wales have launched a free, evidence-based guide to help music educators, school staff and practitioners support autistic children and young people in Autism Resource Bases (ARBs). The resource has been created to help those delivering music in and around mainstream schools feel more confident, informed and equipped to offer inclusive, high-quality musical opportunities.

Developed through four years of work by Live Music Now, including participatory action research with the University of South Wales, the guide brings together research evidence, practitioner insight and the lived experience of autistic musicians. It is designed to offer practical, adaptable support for musicians, teachers, music hub staff, peripatetic tutors and others working in inclusive education settings, whether they are experienced in specialist provision or beginning to work with autistic pupils for the first time.

The publication responds to a growing need across the UK. ARBs – dedicated classes within mainstream schools – are expanding, yet the research found that fewer than a third of surveyed settings had contact with their local music education hub or music service. Staff highlighted barriers including resources, budget and specialist expertise, as well as the need for approaches that can be adapted to different pupils, environments and levels of musical experience.

The new guide aims to address these challenges directly. It includes guidance on setting up music projects, adapting activities to different pupils and settings, navigating national curricula and music education plans, and connecting with music education hubs, services and wider support networks. It also encourages practitioners to think carefully about communication preferences, sensory environments, routine, choice and pupil agency when planning music activity.

Grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach, the guide recognises music as a powerful way to support communication, wellbeing, self-expression and learning. It was developed with autistic musician, community musician and music therapist Alex Lupo, alongside a steering group of autistic musicians with diverse lived experiences. Their input helped shape a resource that focuses not only on access to music, but on meaningful participation, creative ownership and respect for autistic ways of communicating and engaging.

For Music Mark members and the wider music education sector, the guide offers timely, practical support for making music provision more accessible, inclusive and meaningful for autistic young people. It provides a framework that can support schools, hubs and practitioners to build stronger partnerships, reflect on current practice and develop sustainable music opportunities that respond to the needs and strengths of pupils in ARBs.

To find out more about the research, the guide and how to access the free resources, read the full press release