Finding the perfect music to soothe, stimulate, or simply delight a child on the autism spectrum can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The right song can be transformative, fostering calm during meltdowns, encouraging focus during learning, or sparking joy and connection. That's why we've compiled this list of the best songs for autism, carefully selected to cater to a wide range of preferences and sensitivities. From calming classical pieces to upbeat pop tunes with predictable rhythms and melodies, this curated collection offers something for everyone. Understanding the impact of music on individuals with autism is increasingly recognized, with research showing its potential to improve mood, communication, and overall well-being. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this guide will help you discover music that can enrich the lives of autistic individuals and create positive, memorable experiences.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ride | Twenty One Pilots | Blurryface | 2B+ |
| 2. Somewhere Over the Rainbow | Israel Kamakawiwoʻole | 2B+ | |
| 3. Bitter Sweet Symphony | The Verve | Urban Hymns (Remastered 2016) | 1B+ |
| 4. Shut Up and Dance | WALK THE MOON | TALKING IS HARD | 443M+ |
| 5. Ho Hey | The Lumineers | The Lumineers | 343M+ |
| 6. I Will Wait |
Mumford Sons | 247M+ | |
| 7. Here Comes The Sun | The Beatles | Abbey Road (Remastered) | 153M+ |
1. Ride (Twenty One Pilots - 2025)
Sound: Ride features a driving, yet mellow beat that provides a sense of controlled energy, potentially offering a grounding auditory experience.
Vocals: Tyler Joseph's distinct vocal style is both powerful and vulnerable, creating a sense of emotional safety and relatability that may be calming for some listeners. The melodic phrasing can be easy to follow and sing along to.
Emotional Impact: The song's themes of escape and finding solace can resonate deeply, offering a sense of shared experience and understanding which can be particularly beneficial for those seeking emotional comfort.
2. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - 1993
Soothing Melody: Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's ukulele rendition creates a gentle, calming atmosphere, ideal for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Simple, Repetitive Structure: The song's structure is predictable and easy to follow, providing a sense of comfort and security for listeners who may find complex musical arrangements overwhelming.
Positive and Uplifting Lyrics: The hopeful message of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" offers a sense of optimism and encourages a positive emotional state, beneficial for managing mood.
3. Bitter Sweet Symphony (The Verve - 1997)
Melodic Calm: "Bitter Sweet Symphony" features a slow tempo and a melancholic melody, which can be soothing for individuals sensitive to overwhelming sounds.
Textural Richness: The song's layered instrumentation, including strings and a driving bassline, provides a complex yet engaging auditory experience without being overly stimulating.
Emotional Resonance: Its introspective lyrics and expressive vocals may offer a safe space for emotional processing, a valuable aspect for some listeners on the autism spectrum.
4. Shut Up and Dance (WALK THE MOON)
Upbeat Tempo and Rhythm: The song's infectious, driving beat provides a strong, predictable rhythmic structure that can be comforting and engaging for some individuals on the autism spectrum.
Predictable Melody and Structure: "Shut Up and Dance" features a clear, repetitive melody and verse-chorus structure, offering a sense of familiarity and order that can be soothing.
Positive and Energetic Vocals: The enthusiastic vocals contribute to the overall positive and uplifting mood, potentially reducing anxiety and encouraging movement.
5. Ho Hey (The Lumineers - 2025)
Repetitive and Predictable Structure: Ho Hey's simple, memorable melody and rhythmic structure can be soothing and predictable for some individuals on the autism spectrum, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Gentle Vocals: The Lumineers' gentle vocals and overall mellow sound create a calming atmosphere, reducing sensory overload which can be beneficial.
Positive and Uplifting Lyrical Themes: The song's generally positive and hopeful lyrics can promote a sense of well-being and reduce anxiety, fostering a positive emotional response.
6. I Will Wait (Mumford ft Sons)
Gentle Melody: "I Will Wait" features a calming, predictable melody that can be soothing for individuals with autism who benefit from auditory predictability.
Consistent Tempo: The song maintains a steady tempo and rhythm, minimizing sensory overload that rapid changes in pace might trigger.
Emotional Resonance: The heartfelt vocals and lyrics, while expressing longing, do so in a measured and controlled way, creating a sense of comfort and emotional safety.
7. Here Comes The Sun
Gentle Melody: Here Comes The Sun features a bright, uplifting melody that's easy to follow and can be soothing for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Repetitive Structure: The song's structure is relatively simple and repetitive, offering a sense of predictability and comfort that can be calming.
Positive Lyrics: The optimistic lyrics about the arrival of sunshine offer a positive and hopeful message, promoting feelings of joy and well-being.
8. the Dock of the Bay - The Dock of the Bay (Mono)
Soothing Melodies: "The Dock of the Bay" features a gentle, repetitive melody and a relaxed tempo that can be calming and predictable for individuals on the autism spectrum, reducing sensory overload.
Repetitive Rhythms: The song's simple, repetitive rhythm provides a sense of comfort and predictability, which can be very beneficial for those who thrive on routine and structure.
Otis Redding's Vocals: Redding's smooth, soulful vocals are comforting and non-jarring, creating a soothing soundscape.
9. Hallelujah
Predictable Structure: Hallelujah features a relatively simple, repetitive structure which can be comforting and predictable for listeners who appreciate a sense of order and familiarity.
Emotional Nuances: Brendon Urie's vocals convey a wide range of emotions, from vulnerability to hope, offering rich emotional depth without overwhelming intensity.
Gentle Melody: The song’s gentle melody and moderate tempo create a calming and soothing atmosphere, reducing sensory overload that can be challenging for some individuals.
10. Count on Me (Doo-Wops & Hooligans)
Upbeat Tempo and Rhythm: "Count on Me" boasts a consistently upbeat tempo and a catchy, easily repeatable rhythm, which can be very soothing and grounding for some individuals on the autism spectrum.
Reassuring and Positive Lyrics: The lyrics express themes of unwavering support and friendship, offering a message of comfort and security that can be particularly beneficial.
Bruno Mars' Smooth Vocals: Bruno Mars' warm, inviting vocal style adds to the song's overall calming effect, creating an accessible and pleasant listening experience.
11Amber
311
2001
12Bliss
Muse
2001
13Gravity
Sara Bareilles
2007
Little Voice
14You Are My Sunshine
Johnny Cash
2003
15Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler
1988
Beaches (Original Soundtrack Recording)
16Shake It Off
Taylor Swift
2014
1989
17Shackles
Mary Mary
2000
18Numbers
Daughter
2016
19I HAVE AUTISM
SHIFTYPOP
2018
20We’ll Get By
Johnny Orr Band
2014
21Rainbow
Matthew Lien
2020
22Not so Different
Cassandra Kubinski
2015