Music and Autism: Time for a Reappraisal?

Changing concepts of autism have prompted a re-evaluation of assumptions within theoretical models and research methodologies. Models of talent in autism do not reflect current thinking about the nature and development of musicality as a human trait. In this chapter first-person accounts of autistic people document rich intra- and interpersonal experiences of music. This provides a new starting point for understanding musical skills and talents in autism.