Therapy in a Melody

How autistic children view the world remains a mystery, but an inspiring film coming out of the UAE helps us get a step closer to an understanding. THE BRAIN THAT SINGS by filmmaker Amal Al-Agroobi uncovers the journey of two autistic boys and the effect that music therapy has on them.

Over a 14 week period, music therapist Marion Tennant works with 19-year-old Mohammed Al-Tamimi on his violent outbursts, and six-year-old Khalifa Al-Ali on dealing with losing his father, by helping them achieve self-control and focus, and express and manage their emotions.

When Khalifa’s mother approached the film-maker in hopes that a documentary can be made about her autistic child, Al-Agroobi immediately established an interest. “Music has always been a part of my life,” she confided at the screening of her film at the Dubai International Film Festival last week. “I have a masters degree in neuroscience, so I’ve always been interested in the brain,” she added.

The experiences of the boys offer hope for other families with autistic children to learn about alternative therapies and services that could enhance their children’s lives and open new doors of opportunity. “The Brain That Sings” is produced by Alagroobi Films with the help of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and Twofour54 Creative Lab.

For more info – http://thebrainthatsings.com