Çağrıhan’s Path from Autism to Music: Rediscovering Sound
By Bilge Yasemin Atyıldız – Çağrıhan’s Mother
Çağrıhan was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. From an early age, he showed exceptional visual and auditory memory. While he struggled with eye contact, he would respond immediately to any musical sound, no matter where it came from.
Early Signs of Musicality
He mastered puzzles with ease and loved singing nursery rhymes. At age four, he played a toy piano with animal sounds over and over again. One day, after his grandfather played a children’s song on the toy, Çağrıhan played it back flawlessly. Soon he began playing other songs too, revealing a clearmusical ear.
When we visited a music center, a teacher recognized his talent and began experimenting with piano. She confirmed that he had perfect pitch. However, due to sensory sensitivities, his first piano experience ended after a year.
A Long Silence
For seven years, Çağrıhan refused to hear any music, not even piano sounds. This was a traumatic period. Later, his teacher recommended theBilsem exams, but there were no qualified music educators for students like him.
As he approached high school, we decided to try music again—but this time with a different instrument: theaccordion. We found a teacher who introduced him to the instrument, and Çağrıhan was captivated.
Rising Through Music Education
He trained intensively and won first place in the entrance exam for Mamak Mimar Sinan Fine Arts High School. He graduated top of his class and was later accepted into theInstrumental Music Education/Accordion Departmentat Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, where he continues his studies today.
The Transformative Power of Music
Music changed Çağrıhan’s life. It strengthened his communication skills, self-confidence, and sense of belonging. It opened new paths—not just for him, but for us as a family.
Along this journey, we met other families and passionate teachers, forming a growing community advocating for the role of music in the lives of autistic children.
I always advise parents:observe your child’s interests closely from an early age. Talent should never be forced, but when nurtured with respect and patience, it can become a bridge to participation and joy.
As parents, our greatest wish is for state support to make such educational opportunities accessible to all families. No child should need “special talent” to deserve a place in society, but for those who do have it, music can be a powerful way to shine.
