“I can’t get thru to Jake!” Dr. Sam, our Special Needs teacher, was uncharacteristically frustrated.  Jake was a beautiful autistic boy who was currently having a melt down.

“I’ve tried radio, singing, the xylophone.  He either doesn’t respond or ramps up. I know music therapy can help him communicate. Can you take him into the band room so he can calm down?” Dr. Sam asked.

In the band room I sat on the piano bench as Jake rocked himself to calmness.  Not thinking, I hit the first chord of Amazing Grace.  Horrified I looked to Jake. He was suddenly still. Slowly I played the second chord. Jake’s face became rounder, less pinched. Softly I played the song. When I looked up, Jake was standing next to me staring at the keyboard. 

Using the piano, Dr. Sam was able to begin music therapy with Jake.  I was so proud of him and his courage to interact with others.

It was my last day of class. Jake was staring at the floor with a sullen scowl.

“You’ll always remember me, Jake, in here,” I tapped my head and hummed a few bars of Amazing Grace. His face softened and he smiled.