Music Therapy for Autism
It’s been about ten years since I began working with children with special needs and their families. One thing I’ve learned is that they are always excited about providing great experiences for their children. Many therapies offer great opportunities for children with special needs. With music therapy for autism, this is especially true. Music provides a great avenue for joy as well as communication.
Recently, we caught a glimpse of how powerful music can be for a special needs child on America’s Got Talent. If you haven’t seen Kodi Lee on America’s Got Talent completely blow everyone away, you definitely need to see it. It is simply amazing, there is no better word to use. As he sings, he is clearly tapping into an almost prodigious part of himself. Imagine how tragic it would have been if his parents never introduced him to music.
How Does Music Therapy Help?
Music therapy provides assistance to kids with autism. It helps them improve skills in areas such as cognition, behavior, communication, social skills, and sensory issues. Additionally, it helps with gross and fine motor skills. Music therapy uses music to aid on non-musical goals. The wonderful surprise oftentimes is that a particular child may actually wind up living music. This is the best case scenario because it connects a child with a desire to learn something new.
It becomes a win-win situation in that many goals in a child’s IEP are worked on as well as developing a love for a new voice. As we saw in Kodi’s example, music became a powerful voice not just for him, but he used it to inspire others. The great thing is that we never know what music will uncover in a child. Music speaks to us on so many different levels.
Cognitive Benefits of Music
It has been widely known for years that music and math are connected. Music stimulates parts of our brain that only music can do, according to this New York Times article on the brain’s ‘music room.’ Recently, I read an article that highlights the benefits of music and aging. How it can actually aid in promoting healthy aging. Check this article about music and the brain.
The added benefit of music is that it is something that parents can also continue working with their kids at home. Music brings people together in a way that few other activities can. A good music therapist can share techniques and activities parents can do with their kids at home. This will also develop a stronger bond between what the child learns at school and at home.
In conclusion, I feel that music can be a great added therapy for any child with special needs. It not only provides support for their IEP, but is also an activity that an entire family can enjoy together.
Where To Go From Here
If you want to begin your journey of music with your kids, we want to be your solution. Click here for our Little Mozart Music Setand get started today. It includes everything you need to bring music education into your home and classroom. And the best part is that we’re with you every step of the way. We’re here for any help you may need along the way. Music is for life.
