Jam Session Benefits
In May, we wrapped up another successful Jam Session season. For any readers that are not familiar, Jam Sessions are group music therapy programs run by the non-profit Banding Together for teens with autism and other developmental disabilities. These programs take place bimonthly in three different locations throughout the San Diego area, with one in Carlsbad, El Cajon, and Point Loma. Each participant is paired with a volunteer mentor, usually receiving one-on-one attention as well as the chance to socialize with other mentors and participants in the Jam Session.
The typical Jam Sessions consist of a greeting song or exercise, a drum circle, a local guest musician, a song teaching a specific social skill, and jam time where the participants can pick a song, play instruments, and dance. Not only is this experience incredibly fun but parents and mentors observed significant social skill gains as measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) assessment and a self-made assessment called Rockstar Reports. The SRS-2 is a standardized assessment that identifies social impairments related to autism spectrum disorder and measures its severity. The Rockstar Report was created by Banding Together to measure the goal areas specifically targeted by Jam Sessions.
The SRS-2 reports showed the most significant improvements in social communication, social awareness, and restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.
The Rockstar Reports showed improvements in participants taking leadership roles, communicating feelings, and having conversations with other participants or mentors in the group.
Jam Sessions start again in September but sign up now, as spots are limited! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to volunteer or participate in an incredibly fun and rewarding program.
If you are unavailable to volunteer but would like to support Banding Together, you can donate here
Shannon Flaherty
