Both studies and anecdotal evidence clearly show that music-based therapy can have a significant impact on reducing autism symptoms in children, including undesirable autistic behaviors. Music therapy is a form of autism treatment that is 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 better suit the individual needs of the autistic child. There are many different elements involved in music therapy for autism, including:
– Listening to music
– Creating music
– 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 outcome 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, carefully measured and chosen stimulation, since no human contact is required.
Music therapy is beneficial as it can be tailored to specifically meet the child’s unique needs based on his or her own autism symptoms and tastes and preferences. This ability to personalize therapy is very important since each case of autism is different from others and what can be very effective for one child can lead to 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) the social contact efforts made by other people. With music therapy, children can break 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 their vocalization of speech 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. Music is therefore a good transition to get them used to the sounds. In addition, by playing wind instruments and singing, children become 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 to enjoy a full emotional experience. Therefore, since most autistic children respond well to the stimulus of the music therapy experience, autistic children can enjoy a fearless experience during a fulfilling emotional moment.
Music therapy sessions for autism 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.