Full Music Gym

The Music Gym was originally designed to help engage people who are difficult to reach.

It allows time to feel safe and space to feel comfortable. Some people feel more secure alone against the wall or in a corner, others like to be near people or part of a group activity – the Music Gym allows for both.

It allows time to observe. This can be the person with ASD wanting to be sure before joining in. It can also be the care staff observing the member in a different setting.

It’s a place where there are opportunities to make choices through simple movement without the encumbrance of having to communicate.

The Music Gym uses similar equipment to that found in more traditional sensory rooms – however, it is a place for doing. Its main use is to engage people to a level where they can communicate their needs and wants in non-verbal ways.

They can transfer skills from one area to another: by being able to first make sounds by movement and then change images by movement. Equally they can use switches to make sounds and then use switches to direct films. These are skills that could be transferred to problems at home, in communication and making things happen.

At the same time, the Music Gym engages the support staff as well as the member. The staff can take the learning back to the home environment and reinforce any benefits achieved.

The Music Gym can be like a living being that has different energy levels dependent on the people who are there. It’s perfect for someone who’s withdrawn, and is equally beneficial for someone who’s challenging.