EPISODE 44
Autism and the Power of Music with Yasmine White & Jonathan Chase
Autism and the Power of Music with Yasmine White & Jonathan Chase
Play the Episode…
…and Continue the Discussion
Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.
1) Why does Yasmine see music as a wonderful way for parents to connect with their autistic kids? What does music offer that is different and special compared to other ways to relating to children on the spectrum? Are there any other ways that you have found music to be helpful that were not discussed?
2) How does Yasmine respond to parents who may say they have no skills or talents in music to connect with their family members? Do you sometimes feel that way as a parent or professional, and if so, how do you hope to change based upon this podcast?
3) For Jonathan as a person on the spectrum, how has music played an important role for him in his life? How does he use his talents in working with autistic children and adults? Have you ever worked with autistic musicians, and if so, what do they bring that is special to their work and their relationships with others?
Featuring
YASMINE WHITE
Yasmine White is CEO and founder of Voices Together, a rapidly expanding music therapy organization reaching individuals and students across North Carolina. She developed the VOICSSⓇ (Vocal Interactive Communications and Social Strategies) model as a non-directive intervention for people on the autism spectrum or who are otherwise neurodivergent.
An accomplished songwriter and performer, Yasmine wrote most of the original technique songs used in the Voices Together program. Before she formed Voices Together, she was a professional songwriter and placed second in the folk category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, a prestigious international competition founded by Yoko Ono, with judges who included Bjork, James Brown, Judy Collins, Elton John, Joan Osborne and Carlos Santana.
Yasmine has spent nearly three decades as a music therapist specializing in the area of autism and other types of neurodivergence. She has devoted most of her life to working with children, teens and adults within this population.
JONATHAN CHASE
Jonathan Chase is a musician, author, and autism/autistic advocate for people across the spectrum. Based in Portland, OR he works with families, teens and young adults to support people working to become more independent and successful in adulthood.
“I became a professional musician at the age of 16, working 4 nights a week playing bass in bar bands with a bunch of guys in their 40’s and 50’s.”
“In my experience, self-awareness and self-advocacy have been two crucial skills that have directly impacted my success and failures. Knowing who I am, what I can and cannot do, and being able to communicate my needs to others, makes all the difference in the world.”
Show Notes
Barry and Dave have a lively discussion with Yasmine White, music therapist, and Jonathan Chase, autistic professional musician and self advocate. Yasmine discusses her approach to music therapy and the VOICSSⓇ together model, and her new book focusing on helping parents connecting with their children through music. Jonathan talks about his journey as a person with autism, career as a professional musician, and his current career focus on providing supports in various ways to autistic individuals and their families.
For more of Yasmine’s work:
@voicestogethermusictherapy
For more of Jonathan’s work:
Read From Surviving to Thriving: Classroom Accommodations for Students on the Autism Spectrum