Puzzle Palooza

I don't know who named this camp, but it certainly wasn't me. Ah well.

This week I'm working at a camp for children with Autism. Well, working probably isn't the best word for it since I'm not getting paid. But whatever. I'm working with the OT- who is fantastic AND knows about MT! She's been more than happy to work in some music with her plans. I didn't know I was going to be there until Friday and she didn't know until she walked into the room. Yay spontaneity!

It's been... Interesting. Because the workers are mostly parents of kids at camp and students who, I assume are either siblings or kids from the church it's held in, some are better with the kids than others. But because they're volunteers, you don't want to walk up to someone you don't know from Adams house cat and say "You're doing this wrong and this is why this child is reacting this way to you." But I did tell one younger girl that the only reason the child she's working with is behaving the way he is is because she reacts every time. It's a game to him now and he thinks its funny. She didn't really listen. Ok, go ahead and think you know better than I do, it's fine. I'm only 10 years older than you. And I have a college degree. But whatever.

I have had several lovely MT moments thus far. The Purple Alligator song is a hit, of course. I have had two different ask to "play" my guitar for the class, and one who also sang and "played" for the class. This coming from the student who told us he didn't want to participate because he couldn't throw a ball very well. Love it.  And I have had a largely nonverbal student talk to me. More than once. I think it's because I take the time to understand what he's saying to me when he's not using words. And I know sign language, which he responds really well to.

And I've had parents ask for my info and for me to come speak or do a session for a few support groups in the area. Things are looking up for my Music Therapy career around here! Now... I have to conquer the board exam!