Music Therapy In Autistic Children

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Individuals from all walks of life stand to benefit from music therapy, research has shown. This gives credence to the use of music as a vehicle of healing, which is why this article focuses on the benefits of the same in children suffering from autism. What are some of the ways in which music is helpful?

–          Music helps to manage the stress levels in autistic persons

–          It is also a good aid when it comes to enhancing the memory of an individual

–          Music is a good tool used in improving communication channels.

–          In children with autism, one of the biggest challenges is proper social behaviors. Music therapy has been shown to effectively improve tendencies in this direction, making it possible for autistic children to make strides in this particular field. A study focusing on autistic children showed that during such music sessions, the children responded to the music therapist more frequently than in sessions where there was no music played. This was further enhanced by simple acts and gestures such as sharing of music instruments, learning how to play a given instrument, listening to others play as well as singing together.

–          This unique form of therapy has also been shown to improve the attention span of such children so that they are able to focus.

–          This type of music therapy also goes a long way in reducing anxiety and panic attacks, thus making students more aware of their immediate environments. Ideally, children suffering from autism tend to be more sensitive to happenings in their surrounding than a normal child would be. In this regard, the ideal selection of music is classical music, or music that has a steady consistent rhythm. This is because the beat of the aforementioned genres of music is rather predictable, making it easy for the child to have a sense of control and belonging.

–          In a number of autistic children, music also helps to improve body coordination, an aspect which presents unique challenges of its own.

–          Music is a fun way to engage with autistic children, especially because depending on the genre used, it is both enjoyable and engaging. With the knowledge that autism makes it difficult for children to concentrate, music therapy helps break the monotony of repeated sessions. When you are able to capture the attention of the kids, then you are just one step away from inculcating social values in them as well as helping promote great communication. In fact, this tool has become so effective that it has been touted to be the last resort of reaching out to an autistic child when nothing else works.

–          Music therapy has been shown to be effective as far as linking sound to action is concerned. This is because it aids in the linking of the audio regions to that of the motor section of tha brain, thus helping the child grasp verbal instructions given. When used repetitively, the pathways recorded in the brain undergo significant improvement.