Adapting NMT for a child with multiple disabilities

A--- Strengths:- Love of music and of novelty History of Conductive Education Good relationship with all staff involved Challenges re learning to walk:- Cerebal Palsy affecting all limbs Cortical Blindness Severe / Profound Learning Disability

Background Previous music therapy consisted of familiar songs and improvised music – aims (gain in confidence and attention span) were met. Conductive Education:- Strong emphasis on the aquisition of physical skills, particularly walking. No opportunity for me to explore content of CE.. Opportunity to build on this work using NMT influenced methods

NMT as taught Outcomes judged by measurable functional gains Psychological / emotional processes not in the foreground Assessment is a feature of all sessions With gait training, use of metronome and autoharp

Outcome measured by progress towards facility in walking – a subjective assessment over a period of time No use of metronome, due to sudden tempo changes by her High level of facilitation from physiotherapist This particular work:-

Session format Sit to stand transition Warm ups – feet to side and back, feet forwards and back with Soundbeam Walking and turning Walk backwards Finish Musical accompaniment is simple, and always the same for the same part of the session

Time Limitations Not exactly short term work, but cut-off point at end of this academic year focuses the work Nature of music therapist's work:- no opportunity to observe A in other contexts to assess potential Limited time to analyse the work as it proceeds – possibility of overlooking features? Ill health leading to missed sessions – even within the timespan given, full potential can't be reached