Music Therapy

Music Therapy is becoming very popular and is being used as another approach to improve the skills of children with Autism. The American Music Therapy Association defines Music Therapy as a “clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.” Music is a form of communication that does not require the involvement of verbal abilities. It is a tool to support individuals with cognitive and emotional challenges.

 Research has provided evidence linking a close connection between music and its effects on the movement of brain waves.  Strong beats cause the brain waves to resonate, sharpening concentration and fine tuning alertness, whereas slower beats help maintain calmness. So why is this important? Well, the change in activity levels caused by the music allows the brain to alter speeds more easily and independently. This alternation of speeds is also a contributor to the effects of breathing and heart rate. Music causes a change in breathing and heart rate similar to the movements in brain waves. The faster the beats the heavier the breathing and the faster the heart rate, while slower beats cause slower breathing and slower heart rate, activating a relaxation response. Music is very beneficial for the overall health and well-being of a person.

 
Music Therapy is a developing technique which is advantageous to increasing individual skills, such as participation and social interactions, lowering anxiety, and increasing the development of new communication abilities. Other results of Music therapy include improvements of sensory issues, behavior, and motor skills. Children with Autism tend to react negatively toward loud noises but by introducing music during a therapy session you can provide the child with techniques to help cope with sound sensitivity.

A Music therapist is very similar to Speech-Language Pathologist. Music therapists are required to assess the potential client, develop a treatment plan, and provide appropriate treatment specific to the client’s needs.  Anyone has the opportunity to become a Music therapist as long as you “earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy from an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved program.”
 




Music is very diverse and is beneficial for everyone. Personally, I use music as a soothing mechanism for when I am stressed or need a break. For others, they may listen to music to blow off steam or even for motivation when working out. Implementing music within the therapy or classroom is a great teaching technique for children. Children tend to mimic intonations of songs quicker than just listening to someone who speaks in a normal voice. At my work, the speech therapist began to include “circle time” into the daily routine. Not only did the parents love the idea, the children enjoyed music time as well. At times the therapist will introduce instruments and have the children use them while we are singing, bringing in some academic learning and encouraging participation in the activity. I love the whole idea of using music therapy for children with disorders and disabilities. When I become I therapist I will use music as a teaching technique for my clients.

For more information about Music Therapy visit the American Music Therapy Association website.  

References:

• http://autism.about.com/od/autismtherapy101/a/musictherapy.htm
• http://stress.about.com/od/tensiontamers/a/music_therapy.htm
• http://www.musictherapy.org/