https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/patients-and-families/support-services/music-therapy/case-studies/

Case Studies

Meet D

D is 13 years old and has been diagnosed with a specific developmental disorder which means she has not reached the cognitive and developmental milestones expected of a neurologically typical young woman. She has an Autism diagnosis and is a non-verbal communicator. She is highly anxious about coming into the hospital for many tests and procedures required to manage her kidney disease, and this often presents as self-injurious and challenging behaviour.

In her Music Therapy sessions, D has been able to:

  • Use switches to express clear choices.
  • Express and explore her feelings through the non-verbal medium of music.
  • Develop her ability to regulate her emotions.
  • Experience physical and sensory stimulation appropriate to her sensory needs and preferences.
  • Engage in positive social interaction, increasing her ability to communicate with professionals involved in her care.

Here is the report on her Patient Journey, from the Learning Disability team:     

D came into outpatients for an ophthalmology appointment. She was seen by the ophthalmology team however they were unable to successfully examine the patient’s eyes as she would not tolerate this. D had an appointment in the Anaesthetic Pre-Op Assessment (APOA) clinic straight after for an assessment for an upcoming cranial MRI scan under General Anaesthetic. As part of the APOA plan, reasonable adjustments were suggested which included, first on the list, own room and for Music Therapy input on the day of the MRI scan. D had a Music Therapy session immediately prior to her MRI scan. She was then able to successfully have the MRI scans and eye examinations.

Learning Disability Clinical Nurse Specialist

And in her mum’s words:

When we arrived [for a scheduled procedure] we were late as D had a meltdown at home and bit her arm in several places. I had to bring her back in the house to calm her and attend to her arm. She was very fractious when she arrived. The music therapist was able to attend to her straight away and relaxed her into the room beautifully. It could not have gone better. They switched up her mood through the music. We are so grateful. Thank you so much for all you have done for us. GOSH is definitely leading the way for change. These have been my best experiences of hospital to date. And it has made an enormous difference to our lives.

Meet A

A is 9 years old and has a global developmental delay and autism. He has a complex medical history, including gastro-oesophageal disease, which requires frequent hospital visits for tests, procedures, surgeries, and recurrent inpatient stays. He is a non-verbal communicator.

The music therapist first met A on Squirrel Gastro ward during an inpatient stay, and was subsequently contacted by the Learning Disability team (per his mum’s request) when A returned to GOSH for surgery. Through developing a musical relationship with the music therapist, A was able to physically explore his environment and surroundings in a calm and safe manner, providing a sense of control and increasing his communication and vocal expression through singing. According to A’s mum, his singing was a highly unusual occurrence, and she was able to capture the session on video, to share with family members.

A’s mum reports that Music Therapy supported A in adjusting to a new environment, helped him to relax, and reduced his fear of being in hospital. She wrote:

A was seen twice by the music therapist. The first time was on the day of admission for surgery. A is hospital phobic and on admission was simply terrified. Requesting home on his voice and refusing to move from his safe space/wheelchair (A has severe learning disabilities). A just simply came to life with the music. He adored it. Katya was very much gearing the session to what A wanted. He was a different boy after the session - so relaxed and immediately got out of his wheelchair and sat in the hospital chair. We were fortunate that Katya could see him a second time in admission. A had been requesting to see her by pointing to a photo of the previous session on his iPad. A was once again going for a procedure which sadly got cancelled till the following day. Again, A loved the session, and it really relaxed him. What an invaluable service this is to aid children in a stressful time.

Ref: 0925PAF0027 Last reviewed: Sept 2025