In the lives of young people with complex and profound disabilities, childhood can take a back seat to a life that revolves around medical care and unique challenges necessary to managing their health.

Experiencing a life defined primarily by diagnosis rather than personal identity limits opportunities for individuals to explore, develop, and express their personality in an authentic way.

The use of humour in music therapy settings is frequently acknowledged in literature, yet it remains a relatively unexplored therapeutic tool. Through humour and silliness in music, young people can express their true selves and build strong social connections with others. They can experience the joy of intentionally making their peers laugh, a luxury that is not easily accessible to everyone and often taken for granted.

In this presentation the music therapist will share their experience of facilitating a music therapy group in a specialist school for young people with complex disabilities, and reflect on the impact of humour and silliness on the therapeutic outcomes of the group.