MUSIC AND AUTISM

Music can play a role as a Therapy tool in Autism.  Music stimulates the mind and reduces stress and behavior issues.  There are many studies and papers written on it's benefits.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/09/14/music-therapy-and-autism

Music Therapy and Autism 

Andrew Littlefield, MM, MT-BC is a music therapist and Assistant Director at The George Center for Music Therapy, Inc. in the metro-Atlanta, Georgia area. The George Center has served hundreds of clients in the Atlanta area, many of who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

As a music therapist, I have the opportunity to watch people of all ages and abilities connect and grow simply through the act of making and interacting with music.  Music therapy is a fast-growing, research-based field in which a board-certified music therapist uses music-based interventions to address non-music goals with their clients.

Some of the most exciting developments in our field recently have involved music therapy and autism.  Music therapy is a great fit with autism for a variety of reasons:

·     Music encourages social interactions

·     Music is adaptable to people of all abilities

·     Music is multi-modal and engages us across multiple domains (motor, communication, cognitive, etc.)

·     Music provides opportunities for success

·     Music therapy is adaptable to many autism treatment modalities (ABA, DIR-Floortime, SCERTS, and more.)

·     Music is FUN and motivating!

When I tell people I’m a music therapist, I get quite a few raised eyebrows.  With a job title like that, people are understandably curious.  You may have a few questions yourself. To help answer those, I’ve created this handy infographic that answers some common questions regarding music therapy and its applications with autism spectrum disorders!

You can learn more about music therapy through the American Music Therapy Association, find a music therapist near you through the Certification Board for Music Therapists, or learn all about music therapy, tips, tricks, and more at The George Center for Music Therapy Blog!

The Autism Speaks blog features opinions from people throughout the autism community. Each blog represents the point of view of the author and does not necessarily reflect Autism Speaks' beliefs or point of view.