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Does music therapy work for autism?

September 04, 2008

music therapy, verbal communication, children with autism, water, autism, music, kids, parents, stress

Many people swear by it, and I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

Experts say it makes it easier for children with autism to talk, because it reduces stress, helps with interaction (both verbal and non-verbal) and builds relationships. Verbal communication can be improved in steps by music therapy. Parents singing simple songs with identifiable words and phrases get kids to repeat them, as do actions. (Think about moving your fingers when you say "the itsy-bitsy spider went up the water spout").

I know all kids love music, but am wondering: does it help with autism? What have your experiences been?

Comments (2)

ponderous said:
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Hahahah... have you ever SEEN an autistic child with poor hand eye coordination do the itsy bitsy spider? *grin*

Music is a staple in our house. The kids can sit for ...

Hahahah... have you ever SEEN an autistic child with poor hand eye coordination do the itsy bitsy spider? *grin*

Music is a staple in our house. The kids can sit for hours and do practically nothing but listen to music. Although it's not music, per say, my step daughter, who has an auditory processing deficiency LOVES to listen to Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends on cd. His sing song rythym appeals to her.

view less September 11, 2008
brenne said:
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I think of music therapy as an activity like ballet or soccer that you may have your typical child engage in to develop or support an interest or even meet and interact with frie...

I think of music therapy as an activity like ballet or soccer that you may have your typical child engage in to develop or support an interest or even meet and interact with friends. Many children with autism have limited interests -- maybe even bizarre ones, like a keen and perseverative interest in the lint on a carpet. Music therapy certainly helps keep a child with ASD engaged and helps him interact. But to be the foundation of treatment, I don't think so.

view less September 10, 2008