Dani Gillman
Thinking About Trying Music Therapy with your Child with Special Needs?
Music therapy is becoming more and more popular among families looking to find new, fun ways for their children to learn and grow. While it might look like a child is just having fun and listening to music, this therapy is actually evidence-based and helps to strengthen a child's abilities, as well as transfer those abilities to other parts of their lives. Music therapists are board-certified and experienced in working with many different types of individuals and diagnoses.
Not Just for Developmental Disabilities
Though many people associate music therapy with children, anyone can participate and benefit from music therapy. The American Music Therapy Association cites success stories in the Journal of Music Therapy among children, adults, and the elderly. And it's not just for people with developmental disabilities. In fact, music therapy is popular among individuals suffering with substance abuse, chronic pain, brain injuries, and other conditions.
Make it a Family Affair
Some families can choose individual sessions or group sessions which can help to develop social connections. When everyone participates in group musical activities, sings the same songs, and interacts or collaborates with the group, a lot of social pressures are relieved and communication and social skills can be fostered.
A Form of Expression
Moving to the music helps individuals strengthen and tone areas of their bodies that not only lead to overall stability, but can help to improve posture and even positioning to make speech more effective. Using a creative outlet like music also helps children find less conventional ways to express themselves, especially when speech or emotional communication doesn't come easily.
The patient does not need to have any musical talent to participate and thrive in music therapy. The goals are non-musical and are more focused on reactions to the music, interaction, communication and movement.
It is all Natural
It's only natural for people to react to music. Studies have shown a correlation between the tempo, or speed, of music and human emotion. For example, there's a clear association between fast music and feelings of happiness, or even anger. Slow music can often be associated with calm or sadness. Loudness can make a person react with anger and power, and soft music with sadness or fear. Perhaps this is why children's music is often fun, upbeat, and very singsongy. No one wants to make a baby cry!
Have you enrolled your child in Music Therapy? Do you have a music therapy success story you want to share? Tell us about them in the comments below!
