Music Therapy – Autism Spectrum Disorders By: Christina Overmyer
Music Therapy A technique that uses musical interaction to develop/strengthen individuals’ needs. Goal Areas Language/communication Behavioral/psychosocial Cognitive Musical Perceptual/motor
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assess strengths and needs. Create a treatment plan that includes goals and objectives. Develop and provide strategies that can be used at home and/or school. Music can be used when children enter a classroom, greet a teacher/peer, and engage in play. Develops communication and social skills through singing and dancing. Start communication through singing.
Example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFLJJlOCVsw
Benefits Increased attention Increased socialization Improved cognitive functioning Improved behavior Improved verbal skills Enhanced auditory processing Enhanced sensory-motor skills Decreased self-stimulation Decreased agitation
Resources Autism Spectrum Disorders: Music Therapy Research and Evidence Based Practice Support. (n.d.). American Music Therapy Association. Retrieved October 8, 2012, from www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/bib_autism10.pdf Music As Therapy for Autistic Children. (n.d.). DateHookup.com® 100% Free Dating Site & Free Online Dating. Retrieved October 9, 2012, from http://www.datehookup.com/content-music-as-therapy-for-autistic-children.htm Rudy, L. (2010, January 30). Music Therapy - Music Therapy for Autism. Autism - Signs, Symptoms, Treatments, Resources, Support for Autism. Retrieved October 8, 2012, from http://autism.about.com/od/autismtherapy101/a/musictherapy.htm