Politics Weekly UK Revisited: How the Beatles helped my autistic son find his voice
Jan 1, 2026
In this engaging discussion, John Harris, a Guardian columnist and music writer, shares his powerful journey of connecting with his autistic son, James, through music. He reveals how an iPod brought joy and communication, especially through the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus". Harris also discusses the vivid musical experiences of autistic individuals and the role music played in fostering inclusion at school. Touching on hopes for James's future, he emphasizes the need for creative support and explores the deep emotional landscape music opens for many.
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iPod Sparked A Breakthrough
- John bought an iPod and James taught himself to navigate albums and recognise song titles, which revealed unexpected reading and listening skills.
- Music broke a period of worry and scripting, becoming a shared joyous focus for the family.
The Beatles As A Learning Tool
- James obsessively learned The Beatles' "I Am The Walrus", looping sections until he could phonetically recite the complex lyrics.
- He internalised song structure and vocabulary, demonstrating intense musical memory and pattern recognition.
Transformative Kraftwerk Gig
- The family took James to Kraftwerk's Blue Dot Festival where he knew the catalogue and experienced overwhelming excitement and sensory intensity.
- The gig was transformative for the whole family and remains John's most amazing musical memory.