Hey, Guest- You are far from a nobody IMO. Intelligent questions like your's are a delight, considering all the stupid things I've posted

Autism does not necessarily imply lack of dexterity, or interest, so your goal for your son is right on.

Sorcha- While I agree with your philosophy of not making this a strict regimen, I think it is worth a casual try. I bought an old Harmony ukulele at a flea market about twenty years ago. For one dollar. I had to build a bridge for it, but that uke has been through more kids than I can count. I have three daughters. One has moved to the flute, another is now trying to learn the piano and guitar, and the third, who is five years old, is still messing with the same uke, plastic frets and all, and is really enjoying piano lessons as well.

But one consistent thing has been the uke. All the various kids that we either babysit or have as guests have gravitated towards that ukulele. And I am really surprised that it has lasted this long. The kids are really rough on it, detuning it, tossing it around and such. I have to give Harmony a thumbs up on this one.

I don't even know how to play the goddam thing. But it has been a rich resource for the kids. I'd go with Spaw's advice. The baritone uke would be much more versatile, (although 55 times more expensive), and the interest might last longer. And it has real frets, unlike my plastic frets. But ANY musical instrument is better than no instrument, especially if there's even an inkling of interest on the child's part.

If you find a possible instrument for your son, and have any questions whatsoever, please reply to this thread, or start a new thread, or send a personal message to me, or Spaw, or anyone else who has responded to this thread. I assure you we are all extremely interested in helping you and your son, if we can. Thanks, BlueJay