Both studies and anecdotal evidence clearly show that music-based therapy can have a significant impact in reducing autism symptoms in children, including undesirable autistic behaviors. Music therapy is a form of autism treatment based on carefully planned musical experiences and exercises. It is carefully evaluated before, during and after each session so that it can be modified to best suit the individual needs of the autistic child. There are many different elements involved in autism music therapy, including:
– Listening to music
– Music creation
– Sing along to the music
– Move or dance to the rhythm of the music.
– Play musical instruments of any kind.
This form of music therapy can have a remarkable positive result when treating children with various types and levels of autism. Participation in this type of therapeutic assistance provides children with the opportunity to be exposed to non-threatening stimulation that is carefully measured and chosen, since no human contact is required.
Music therapy is beneficial in that it can be tailored to specifically meet the unique needs of the child based on their own autism symptoms and their tastes and preferences. This ability to personalize therapy is very important as each case of autism is different from the others and what may be highly effective for one child may have negative results for another. To achieve this personalization, there are several types of music therapy that can be used alone or together.
The results of music therapy for autism are far-reaching and affect many elements of a child’s life. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
– Socio-emotional development – Autistic children often struggle with (or ignore) efforts at social contact made by other people. Using music therapy, children can get out of social isolation through their relationship with music or an instrument of their choice. Music works as an intermediary between the child and the people around him.
– Verbal and non-verbal communication – Singing and dancing to music helps autistic children improve speech vocalization and express themselves physically. Many mental processes are stimulated by listening to and producing music, such as symbolizing, conceptualizing, and understanding. Autistic children often find it easier to accept different sounds than verbal speech. Therefore, music is a good transition to get them used to sounds. Also, when they play wind instruments and sing, children become more familiar with the different parts of the mouth and how to manipulate them for speech and other purposes.
– Emotional fulfillment: many autistic children struggle to respond effectively to stimuli in their environment, making it difficult for them to enjoy a full emotional experience. Therefore, since most autistic children respond well to the stimulation of the music therapy experience, autistic children can enjoy a fearless experience during a full emotional moment.
Autism music therapy sessions are generally very flexible, allowing children the opportunity to learn and express themselves at their own pace and according to their own preferences and tastes, achieving great emotional satisfaction.