Autism, Neurodiversity, and Music

In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. But what exactly is autism? What is meant by "spectrum"? and is it really a disorder? In this workshop, Emily Ross, a board-certified music therapist who specializes in autism, will introduce you to the history of the autism diagnosis, and how and why so many autistic individuals are drawn to music. She will also cover the Neurodiversity movement, the nuance of language regarding disability and human dignity, and specific strategies for adapting lessons for the autistic learner.

Emily Ross holds a Bachelor of Music Education from University of Colorado and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in music therapy from Naropa University. She taught public school music (general music and band) in Oregon for seven years, and English as a Foreign Language for two years while serving in the Peace Corps. She has been in private practice as a music therapist since moving to Portland in 2003.  While she works with clients with a variety of challenges and learning difficulties, her specialty is autism. She taught music therapy courses and supervised music therapy students at Marylhurst University.