Learning to wash hands, go to the bathroom and other self-care skills are significant steps toward independence for young children. Each step toward independent self-care is a milestone that is expected and valued. However, for young children with autism such steps may not occur naturally. Research shows that songs can assist children with memorization and sequencing of events. In a study published in "Music Therapy Perspectives," FPG researchers hypothesized that using songs to prompt a series of steps might help a child with autism more independently complete multi-step self-care routines. This Snapshot summarizes the study. [This brief document was produced by the FPG Child Development Institute at UNC-Chapel Hill and is based on: Kern, P., Wakeford, L., & Aldridge, D. (2007). Improving the performance of a young child with autism during self-care tasks using embedded song interventions: A case study. "Music Therapy Perspectives," 25(1), 43-51.]