How Kalimba Helped My Autistic Nephew

As someone who has always believed in the healing power of music, I couldn’t have imagined the profound impact a small, humble instrument like the Kalimba would have on my nephew. My nephew, Liam, is an 5-year-old boy diagnosed with autism. Though I don’t live with him, every time I visit, I see glimpses of his progress, each one like a little miracle. Much of what I know about how he’s been improving comes from my sister Anna, who tirelessly works to create a nurturing and supportive environment for him.

" This is the story of how a small birthday gift—a Newlam Kalimba—became a transformative tool for Liam, helping him connect with the world in ways that felt almost impossible before. "

Choosing the Kalimba for Liam

The idea of getting Liam a musical instrument came to me during a random online browsing session. I had been researching simple, beginner-friendly instruments for a colleague’s child, and I stumbled upon the kalimba. Its clear, bell-like tones caught my attention immediately, and I found myself watching video after video of people playing. I couldn’t help but smile as I imagined Liam experimenting with the sound.

Liam has always been sensitive to auditory stimuli. While some loud or harsh sounds overwhelm him, he’s drawn to gentle, melodic tunes. He’s also very tactile; he loves running his fingers across different surfaces, so an instrument that combines touch and sound seemed perfect. The Kalimba caught my eye for its beautiful wooden finish and well-crafted keys. It felt like the perfect balance between being approachable for a child and high-quality enough to last.

Anna’s First Reactions

A week after the kalimba arrived, I rang Anna to check how Liam was doing. She sounded surprised and excited.

“You wouldn’t believe it, Gloria,” she said. “Liam actually likes it! He was curious from the moment I unwrapped it.”

Anna explained how Liam had been hesitant at first, as he usually is with new objects. But once she gently placed the kalimba in his lap and showed him how to pluck a few keys, his face lit up with fascination. He spent the next 20 minutes plucking random notes, experimenting with the sounds it made.

“That’s the longest he’s ever stayed with something new,” Anna told me. “It’s like the kalimba spoke to him in a way nothing else ever has.”

Liam’s First Steps with the Kalimba

Over the weeks that followed, Anna noticed that the kalimba became Liam’s go-to object when he needed comfort. When he was feeling overwhelmed, he’d pick it up and pluck a few notes, calming himself down. The soft, repetitive sounds seemed to help him regulate his emotions in a way that no other activity had managed to do before.

One evening, Anna described how Liam had a particularly difficult day after a loud construction noise near their home had unsettled him. Normally, such incidents would lead to prolonged meltdowns, but this time, he reached for the kalimba. As he played a series of notes, Anna noticed his breathing slow, his body relax, and a sense of calm return.

“It’s like he’s using it to self-soothe,” Anna said. “He’s finding his own way to cope.”

The Kalimba as a Bridge for Communication

One of the most heartwarming developments came a few months later. Anna told me that Liam had started using the kalimba to “talk.” Though he doesn’t speak much, Liam began associating certain notes or patterns with feelings or needs. For instance, he’d play soft, slow notes when he was feeling happy and short, staccato notes when he wanted something but couldn’t express it with words.

Anna described a moment when Liam used the kalimba to ask for his favourite snack. She heard him playing an energetic, repetitive tune, which she now recognised as his way of signalling excitement. When she asked, “Liam, do you want some crackers?” his face lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically.

“That was the first time I felt like we were truly communicating,” Anna said. “It’s given him a voice.”

Building Confidence Through Music

As Liam became more comfortable with the kalimba, Anna noticed changes in his behaviour that extended beyond music. His confidence grew, and he began exploring other activities with less hesitation. He even started showing his kalimba to visitors, plucking a few notes proudly to demonstrate what he could do.

One day, during a family gathering, Liam played the kalimba in front of everyone. Though the melody was simple and unplanned, it was a huge step for him to engage with people in a social setting.

“It’s incredible,” Anna said. “He’s always been so reserved, but now he’s finding ways to share his world with us.”

The Kalimba as a Tool for Routine

Another way the kalimba helped was by becoming a part of Liam’s daily routine. Anna began incorporating short kalimba sessions into his schedule, either as a calming activity before bedtime or as a way to transition between tasks.

She noticed that the predictable, soothing sound of the kalimba helped Liam manage transitions more smoothly, which had always been a challenge for him. For example, after finishing dinner, he’d often resist moving to another activity, but a few minutes of playing the kalimba helped ease the shift.

Progress I Could See

Though I don’t see Liam as often as I’d like, each visit is a chance to witness his progress firsthand. On my last trip, I brought along a small book of kalimba melodies to share with him. I wasn’t sure if he’d be interested, but to my surprise, he sat next to me, watching intently as I demonstrated a simple tune. Then, with a little encouragement, he tried it himself, his tiny fingers plucking the keys with remarkable focus..

“He’s come so far,” I told Anna that evening. “He seems more open, more present.”

Anna nodded, her eyes brimming with gratitude. “The kalimba has been life-changing, Gloria. It’s like a key that’s unlocked part of him we didn’t know how to reach before.”

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, it amazes me how such a small instrument has made such a big difference in Liam’s life. The Newlam Kalimba didn’t just give him a way to create music; it gave him a means of connection—connection to his own emotions, to his family, and to the world around him.

It’s also taught me something valuable: sometimes, it’s the simplest tools that have the most profound impact. The kalimba may not have been an obvious choice for helping a child with autism, but it turned out to be exactly what Liam needed.

Every time I see him, I’m reminded of how powerful music can be, not just as an art form, but as a way to heal, grow, and connect. And for that, I’ll always be grateful to the little Newlam Kalimba that started it all.