Musical Therapy - An Effective Autism Treatment?

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Musical therapy although a relatively new option in the treatment of autistic patients is one that should not be easily dismissed. Patients who have received such treatment have demonstrated great improvement in temperament and increased learning capacity. Music bridges the gap to the non-verbal part of the brain and therefore proves to be an excellent therapy option for disorders in which the patient has trouble communicating. If you have a child or family member that is coping with autism and have been unsuccessful in finding an effective treatment option you are encouraged to research this treatment option.

Musical therapy has proven effective because it can easily be integrated into social development activities. Music therapy provides a non-threatening approach and can often serve as a mediator between the ailing child and the family members. It opens opportunities for play time and ultimately helps to improve social and behavioral skills. By encouraging eye contact while singing or playing an instrument you can foster an environment of trust and help break down social barriers.

Musical therapy has also proven effective in helping autistic patients with speech development. Music, as mentioned earlier, bridges the gap between the verbal and non-verbal functions of the brain. Autistic patients often suffer from various forms of speech impediments, some hum or grunt while others make incoherent noises or babble. Few others are actually able to learn to group phrases or sentences and effectively communicate with others. This lack of communicative skills presents a challenge when trying to reach such individuals. Music therapy teaches the individual to express him or herself by clapping rhythms, humming the tune or echoing phrases heard in the song.

Autistic individuals often excel in music. They seem to have a natural aptitude for distinguishing rhythms and some even have perfect pitch. Others have learned to play a musical instrument with very little formal training. A musical therapist can use music as a way to open a new world of learning tools to an autistic patient. This form of therapy not only encourages speech development but also aids in behavioral development and provides a safe outlet for emotional expression and memory.

Musical therapy can help to enhance others techniques that you may be using in the successful treatment of autism. Trained professionals can use music to teach children to effectively communicate in non-verbal ways enhancing their learning abilities. If you have a child or family member coping with autism you are encouraged to research this option.

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