1 in 44 children has an autism diagnosis. One way that many parents help their children is through music therapy for autism. This type of therapy helps people improve their cognition, communication, and emotions.
There are many other benefits to using music therapy. Keep reading to learn more about them.
What Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. It affects the way people communicate with, and relate to, other people, and how they experience the world around them.
Children as young as 18 months old are diagnosed with autism. Signs of autism usually show up by age 2 or 3.
This is when parents or caregivers notice significant delays in language development. Or they recognize their child has unusually intense reactions to sensory input like bright lights or a loud noise.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines it as a “developmental disorder that significantly impairs the ability to communicate or interact socially.” It also includes “restricted interests or repetitive behaviors”
What Is Music Therapy for Autism?
The most common type of music therapy for autistic children is the “music engagement” model. In this model, therapists create a playlist that includes songs that are meaningful to the child and then play them during sessions. The therapist will also encourage the child to sing along or tap their foot in time with the music.
A second model is the “music intervention” model. In this model, therapists use music as a tool to teach specific skills such as calming down or focusing on a task. Therapists might use songs with lyrics that are repetitive or have simple melodies so that they can focus on learning one skill at a time.
It uses music to promote physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
7 Benefits of Music for Autistic Children:
There are many therapies to help autistic children better manage their emotions. Music therapy is a popular form of treatment. Some of the benefits include:
1. Improved Communication
There are many different ways that music therapy can be beneficial for kids with autism. One way is that it can help them learn to communicate more clearly. This then helps them to interact with others better.
Another way it could be beneficial is if they have a hard time understanding what others are saying. This is often because they might have trouble processing language.
Sometimes it is because they might not understand how to read body language very well. Music therapy could help them process these things better so that they can understand what others are saying.
2. More Socialization
There are many different ways that music therapy treats autism. It is most effective when used as an intervention for children who are having difficulty with socialization skills.
Music therapy helps children develop their social communication skills. This is by giving them an outlet for their emotions. Or by providing them with a positive experience where they feel comfortable communicating verbally or non-verbally.
3. Better Cognition
Music therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses music to improve cognition in kids with autism. Therapists use music in different ways. One way is through the use of instruments. A therapist will play an instrument and the child will imitate them to create a musical experience.
Another way is through singing and listening to music together. The therapist will sing or play the music for the child. Then the child will sing along with them or listen attentively to the music.
Music therapy is also playing a song for a child and asking them about their thoughts about it. It could even be asking them to imagine themselves in a situation where they are feeling good as they listen to the song.
4. Support Emotional Difficulties
It can help individuals who have emotional difficulties. This is by helping them express themselves through music.
People have used music therapy for many years to help those suffering from emotional difficulties. Music therapy can help with a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, and anger management.
5. Create a Calm Environment
The use of music therapy to help calm autistic children is one of the most popular applications. Music therapy is an effective treatment for calming a child with autism. It has also decreased the severity of symptoms in autistic children.
Music therapists use different types of instruments to create a sound for the patient to listen to. The therapist will also make requests for the child to play an instrument or sing a song. This helps them relax and focus on something other than their anxiety or stress.
6. Improved Gross and Fine Motor Skills
Music therapy increases gross motor skills in children with autism. This is by having the children use their hands more while playing instruments. It also decreases the severity of autistic symptoms.
7. Higher Engagement
Music therapy engages kids with autism by providing them with a way to express themselves and feel like they are part of the world. It also helps in improving their communication skills.
It can also engage them in an activity they enjoy while also providing sensory input. This helps them learn how to regulate their emotions and behaviors more effectively.
Music can help calm down kids with autism during difficult moments such as being in a crowded place or going through some difficulties at home. Music can also help them focus on something other than the sensory overload they are experiencing.
Learn More Autism Therapy Techniques
Now you understand music therapy for autism. This simple but impactful solution for special needs children has tons of benefits. We hope you learned a lot of great information.
At Path2Potential, we offer extensive ABA therapy for people with autism. We offer a variety of resources for parents to help them on their journey. And we are excited to help you if you are ready to start music therapy for people with autism.
Book a free consultation today to discuss enrolling your child.