1. Music Therapy Autism - The Benefits of
Music Therapy for Autism
Written by: Autism Advisor
Music Therapy Autism
A professional who specializes in autism can suggest distinct treatment for autistic’s that can
experience a ample insured effect on their behavior. One this service is Music therapy. Music
therapy is a controlled music experience that is used to facilitate positive change in human
behavior.
Each session of music therapy is carefully planned, carried out, and evaluated to suit the
specific needs of each patient. Music therapy can include any of the following musical
activities: • Listening to music and/or musical creation • Playing musical instruments (any
instrument can be used) • Moving to music • Singing As far as autism is concerned, studies
have shown that music therapy has a significant, positive influence when used to treat autistic
individuals. Participating in music therapy allows autistics the opportunity to experience non-
threatening outside stimulation, as they don’t engage in direct human contact.
As was previously mentioned, music therapy is made specific to each individual. This is
extremely important, because what may be positively received by one autistic may be
negative to another. That being said, let’s take a look at the positive influence music therapy
has had on autistic individuals. Music Therapy Autism
Music therapy - Improved socio-emotional development: In the first steps of a relationship,
autistics tend to physically ignore or reject the attempts of social contact made by others.
Music therapy helps to stop this social withdrawal by an initial object relation with a musical
instrument. Instead of seeing the instrument as threatening, autistic children are usually
fascinated by the shape, feel and sound of it. Therefore, the musical instrument provides an
initial point of contact between the autistic and the other individual by acting as an
intermediary.
Assisted in both verbal and non-verbal communication – When music therapy is used to aid
in communication, its goal is to improve the production of vocalization and speech, as well as
stimulate the mental process of comprehending, conceptualizing and symbolizing.
A music therapist will attempt to establish a communicative relationship between the
behavior of a child with autism and a specific sound. An autistic person may have an easier
time recognizing or being more open to these sounds than they would to a verbal approach.
This musical awareness, and the relationship between the autistics’ actions and the music, has
potential to encourage communication. Music Therapy Autism
Another form of music therapy that may help with communication is to play a wind
instrument (IE flute). It is thought that by playing such an instrument, you become aware of
the functioning of your teeth, jaws, lips and tongue. Thus, playing a wind instrument almost
Music Therapy Autism - The Benefits of Music Therapy for Autism © 2010

2. mirrors the functioning required in order to produce speech vocalizations. Encouraged
emotional fulfillment – Most autistics lack the ability to affectively respond to stimuli that
would otherwise allow them to enjoy an appropriate emotional charge.
Thus, since most autistics respond well to music stimuli, music therapy has been able to
provide autistics with an environment that is free of fear, stimuli considered threatening, etc.
During a music therapy session, an autistic individual has the freedom to behave in specific
ways that allow them to discover and express themselves when they want and choose.
They can make noise, bang instruments, shout and express and experience the pleasure of
emotional satisfaction. Musical therapy has also helped autistic individuals by: • Teaching
social skills • Improving language comprehension • Encouraging the desire to communicate •
Making creative-self expression possible • Reducing non-communicative speech • Decreasing
echolalia (uncontrolled and instant repetition of the words spoken by another)
Keep in mind that although music therapy can have positive effects on autistic individuals, it
is vital that an autistic receives such treatment from a trained and experienced musical
therapist. Don't let your child suffer anymore! Lead your child out of his world through
Music Therapy Autism program now!
Autism Advisor
“Music Therapy Autism is a proven Autism Solution for your Child.
Try the program and change child's life forever!”
Music Therapy Autism - The Benefits of Music Therapy for Autism © 2010