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Music therapy is the systematic
application of music in the treatment of the physiological and
psychosocial aspects of an illness or in relation to physical or
mental challenges. It focuses on the
acquisition of non-musical skills and behaviors as determined by a
music therapist through systematic assessment and treatment
planning.
Music
Therapy and Developmental Delays
Often people with
developmental delays and learning disabilities such as Down's
syndrome will respond to music. The response may range from a blink
or a smile to vocalization, singing or dancing. Music therapy can
offer opportunities for response and expression to children and
adults with developmental delays.
Music is
defined as a therapy in NIDD’s curriculum for special children and
children are participating with excitements is the sessions.
Music Therapy and
Movement
People with developmental delays may have delayed motor development
and/or physical challenges. Playing musical instruments and
singing are simple ways to demonstrate ability regardless of the
sound created. Movement to music develops self-awareness. The
movement can be slight like tapping a chime or bell with a hand or
finger or large like gripping a beater and playing a cymbal, tone
bar or drum. The connection between the sound and the person’s
movement encourages self-awareness and repetition, which can create
a learning environment. Adults and children with developmental
delays can move to music in physical exercise and in dance. Such experiences will also encourage social interaction,
enjoyment and exercise. Because music is time ordered, it is an ideal
stimulus to help coordinate movement .
Music therapy
and Special Education/Cognitive Skills
Musical experiences can be used in learning to teach about the body,
colors, numbers, money and shapes. Increasing intelligence is not
the goal but stimulating cognitive qualities which put the person
in a better position to hold his own in his community. Music and
multi sensory experiences can improve ability to retain information,
such as looking at pictures of animals while singing about the farm.
Music Therapy and
Social Skills
Social interaction can take place in group musical experiences.
Persons can be encouraged to sing each person's name with the
therapist, pass instruments to each other and sing and play music
together. Both the interpersonal and intrapersonal development of
the person can be encouraged in music therapy. No matter how
profound the physical or mental challenges be, music therapy enhances functional abilities
while simultaneously enriching creative and expressive capacities.
Please contact NIDD
for more on the programs based on music therapy for persons with
developmental delays.
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