Music Therapy: Effective Treatment for Autism

In recent years, autism has gained widespread recognition as a significant complication among children, affecting growth and development. With far more children diagnosed today with autism, than in years past, measures have been taken to create therapy programs that are uniquely designed to address the needs of autistic children.

Music therapy is a service that is becoming increasingly more common for autistic children and their families. For children in the age group that is most interested in capturing their autonomy, usually around age three, the use of music therapy may have the greatest implications. As the period when children begin to express an interest in achieving tasks on their own, music therapy can assist the autistic child in doing so through the management of verbal expression.

For children with autism, the interest in gaining autonomy and performing tasks for themselves may not be enticing. As a result, many autistic children become extremely dependent on their parents for every aspect of their care. With the use of music therapy, autistic children can learn to not only perform self-care tasks, but also value the task for what it is; a chance to develop some form of independence.

Because autism may lead your child to become easily confused with tasks and instructions, self-care can often be a challenge for the autistic child to comprehend. Using music and lyrics, which incorporate these tasks, can assist a child in making that connection, cognitively, and learn to appreciate and perform the task. In the children's show, Barney and Friends, many children learn to incorporate independent tasks into their lives through the songs and lyrics provided. This same concept works for autistic children who have difficulty in performing these same tasks.

When struggling to teach your child the basis self-care tasks, such as brushing teeth, using the restroom and even taking a bath, it may be necessary to seek the guidance of a music therapist. With the intervention of a music therapist, you can obtain songs and music that is designed to teach your child these processes at home. In addition, a music therapist, with daily therapy, can guide your child through these tasks using music and lyrics. While it may seem odd to sing the steps of a simple self-care task, children with autism often process this form of learning best.

While there are many treatment options to consider for autistic children, music therapy is making great strides in improving the learning for all children, especially those with autism. By applying lyrics and music to daily activities, children learn to not only perform valuable independent tasks, but also learn to appreciate the task for what it is. When seeking treatment for your autistic child, ask your pediatrician about the services of a music therapist.