Over the 15 years that Rockford’s Rock Opera’s audio books have been available, we’ve heard from hundreds of families all over the world — each with their own story about how they’ve experienced our adventures. Among them is a particularly engaged group of parents and teachers of children with special educational needs (SEN).
Although our stories were never written specifically for an SEN children’s audience, we’ve consistently heard how the combination of rich sound design, clear narration, imaginative storytelling, and original songs has made Rockford’s Rock Opera’s audiobooks firm favourites with many SEN households and classrooms.
So, why might this be? Research into audio learning and neurodiversity offers some fascinating insights.
How audio storytelling supports understanding and imagination
Listening to stories can open up the world of narrative without the barriers that printed text sometimes creates. For children with dyslexia or other learning differences, audiobooks remove the challenge of decoding words, allowing focus on meaning and imagination instead.
The British Dyslexia Association highlights that “listening to audio books can help children keep an interest in stories … they help a child develop key skills such as listening and concentration, and are a good introduction to new words and ways of using language.” (Source: Reading – British Dyslexia Association)
This may explain why many dyslexic and reluctant readers find long-form audio stories such as Rockford’s Rock Opera easier to access and more rewarding than books alone.
Music, rhythm, and the power of predictable sound
Music can provide structure, reassurance, and memory cues — all of which can be especially valuable for neurodivergent children. Our stories use songs not only as entertainment but as signposts within the narrative. Melodies and repeated lyrics anchor key ideas, help children follow the plot, and make it easier to remember events and characters later.
This approach aligns with research into music and autism, which suggests that structured sound and music can support emotional regulation, communication, and engagement. While the specific research often focuses on music therapy, the broader implication is clear: auditory structure supports attention and engagement.
Calming effects of sound and sensory predictability
Many autistic children experience sensory sensitivity. Sudden, sharp noises can be overwhelming, while smooth transitions and consistent sound levels can be deeply soothing. Parents frequently tell us that our stories’ layered, cinematic soundscapes — full of gentle detail but carefully balanced — create a “safe” listening environment.
This mirrors guidance from the National Autistic Society: for example in their article “Autism and sensory processing” which states that:
“If you are hyper-sensitive, sounds may seem much louder and sudden noises may be more distressing to you than they are to other people.” (Source: National Autistic Society)
Some families describe using Rockford’s Rock Opera as part of bedtime routines because of its steady pace and comforting musical flow.
Narration that builds confidence and focus
Clear, expressive narration can make all the difference. SEN children with attention difficulties, auditory processing issues, or anxiety can struggle with fast or inconsistent storytelling. Our narrators use calm pacing and distinctive voices to help listeners distinguish characters and stay engaged.
According to Dual Coding Theory, when information is delivered through both words and music, the brain creates multiple pathways to understanding. This may explain why many listeners retain and recall our stories so vividly — they’re hearing the words, the music, and the emotion all working together.
Furthermore, for learners with dyslexia, research notes that listening to audiobooks can allow them to focus on comprehension and meaning rather than decoding—a valuable shift. For example, the article “Are audio books as effective as reading from a book?” on Dyslexia-Codebreakers says:
“Audio books also help engage the reluctant reader. For many struggling readers they get no pleasure from reading, yet are missing out on developing vocabulary and learning about different styles of writing …”
That corresponds with what many children and parents report about immersive audio stories.
Why audio works for children with ADHD and sensory needs
For SEN children with ADHD, sitting still to read can feel impossible. Audiobooks allow movement without losing the thread of a story. Many parents say their children listen while drawing, playing, or building — activities that can actually improve focus and comprehension.
This is supported by teacher and parent-blog evidence. For example, in “Reading Actively to Your Dyslexic Child”, there is this observation:
“My child has ADHD, and I have found that he actually concentrates better if he is engaging in a ‘fidget activity’ while he is listening to me.”
So the flexibility of audio supports a range of learning styles and attention capacities.
Building literacy and a love of stories
Far from being an alternative to reading, audiobooks often lead children towards books. Literacy researchers note that once a child connects emotionally with a story through sound, they are more likely to want to see the words on the page.
For example, Dyslexia Assist in their article “How can I encourage my child to enjoy books?” observe:
“Listening to beautifully produced recordings is a great way to encourage the love of books, without any reading difficulties.”
Teachers also report that listening to well-produced audio stories can improve reading comprehension, inference skills, and empathy — by immersing children in complex language, tone, and dialogue in an enjoyable way.
Familiarity, comfort, and repetition
One of the most powerful features of audio is that it can be repeated endlessly — and repetition builds mastery. Many SEN families tell us their children return to favourite chapters or songs again and again, finding comfort in familiar sounds and characters. This sense of predictability and control can make listening both calming and empowering.
Our own observations
Over the years, we’ve learned that when stories are built from sound — not just narrated, but fully designed — they can reach children in ways visual media cannot. Without visual overload, the imagination takes centre stage. The listener isn’t just consuming a story; they’re co-creating it in their mind.
That creative freedom, coupled with music, warmth, and emotional clarity, seems to make Rockford’s Rock Opera’s children’s audiobook stories an especially rich experience for many SEN children — and for their families, who often listen and enjoy together.
Discover more through story and song
At Rockford’s Rock Opera, we believe nature’s resilience can inspire both science and imagination. Our story Lost on Infinity explores extinction, biomimicry, and the secrets of the natural world through an unforgettable musical adventure.
Get the Lost on Infinity illustrated book with free musical audiobook – a totally immersive experience.
Listen to the first part of the Lost on Infinity audiobook and watch the animated adventure free on Apple App Store and Google Play.
Download our FREE lesson plans and slides about Extinction and Biomimicry. We also have a selection of classroom activities on our website.
For even more exploration of the natural world, tune in to our Stories, Science & Secrets podcast for kids. Join Matthew, Elaine, Steve Punt and special guests as we delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry and the inspiring ways science learns from nature’s genius.
Biomimicry, learning from nature, is a fascinating classroom topic. You can read more about biomimicry and see all the discoveries we’ve documented in our Creatures’ Secrets Database.