At Little Hiccups, our mission has always been to provide safe, welcoming, and accessible spaces where children with additional needs can thrive, make friends, and simply be themselves.
One of the most rewarding parts of our work is watching our children find their confidence over time. Today, we’re thrilled to share a wonderful story about 9-year-old James and his journey with our music and storytelling sessions!
Meet James
James is an incredibly bright, resilient 9-year-old boy. Throughout his life, he has faced numerous complex medical hurdles—including three open-heart surgeries, drug-resistant epilepsy, monthly IV steroid treatments, congenital heart disease (CHD), hearing loss, and significant developmental delay.
Because James has not been able to wear his hearing aids for around 12 months due to medical reasons, finding accessible, motivating ways to develop his listening, social, and communication skills has been vital. James communicates using a combination of British Sign Language (BSL) and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)—and, above all, he has a deep love for music.
Finding Rhythm, Stories, and Independence
When James first joined our collaborative sessions run alongside Made with Music and Stories with Liv, he preferred staying very close to his parent’s side. The goal of the sessions was simple: explore how music could support emotional regulation, strengthen listening skills, and create opportunities to build meaningful connections with adults and peers outside of his family unit.
Fast forward to today, and the transformation has been amazing to watch.
The moment the doors open on a Thursday, James is eager to head straight in. Over the weeks, his confidence has soared:
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Exploring & Creating: Using instruments and creative music-making apps on the iPad, James explores rhythm and sound, even composing his very own original song with the team!
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Imaginative Storytelling: He loves diving into the You Choose book alongside Liv, enthusiastically making choices about what he would wear, eat, or where he would live.
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Growing Independence & Connection: Instead of staying close by his parent, James now spends whole sessions exploring across the room, collaborating on musical activities with other children, and making up songs.
In His Parent’s Words
“James has had several hurdles to overcome in his life… He is the most resilient little boy and I have loved seeing his personality shine through these sessions, using music and storytelling as a form of communication and interaction.
He leaves school early on a Thursday so he can attend—his school also understands how important this is and how much he benefits from it. He has made his very own song with Made with Music, which he played for his friends at school, and he is so proud of it!
I am very proud of his progress and this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Little Hiccups, Made with Music, and Stories with Liv.”
Why These Sessions Matter
James’s journey is a powerful reminder of how vital tailored, low-pressure creative spaces are. When we adapt environments to meet children where they are, we unlock incredible potential—helping them express their unique personalities, build pride in their accomplishments, and form lasting friendships.
We are so proud of you, James, and we can’t wait to hear more of your wonderful songs and stories this autumn!
