Music therapy helping autistic children in Nepal

In the music therapy room, Xinhua met Shyam (not his real name) as he timidly sat in front of the keyboard. Smiling at the therapist, the 10-year-old boy started playing the keyboard and then improvised some rhythms on the percussion.

"He is one of our most difficult kids," Ghandarba, who belongs to a community of occupational caste musicians, explained.

Playing and sharing instruments, engaging in music games and singing are just a few ways through which the therapist tries to interact with autistic children.

Autistic children are free to pick the musical instrument of their choice. During collective music therapy sessions they not only learn how to interact with the therapist but also among them.

Music therapy, however, is still at an embryonic stage in Nepal where autism remains a taboo in the country's rural areas.

"In villages I have seen people with mental or physical disabilities chained and being treated like animals," Ghandarba said, adding that efforts should be made to introduce music therapy in Nepal's rural areas.

AutismCare Nepal (ACN) estimates that there are 30,000 to 60, 000 people living with autism in the country but the figure may be inaccurate since there are many cases not diagnosed or reported, particularly in the countryside.

The organization hosted different events in the framework of the World Autism Awareness Day to educate, create awareness among parents about the rights of children with autism.