Music Therapy for Individuals with Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum:
- People
with diagnoses on the autism spectrum often show a heightened interest
and response to music, making it an excellent therapeutic tool to work
with them.
- Music
is a very basic human response, spanning all degrees of
ability/disability. Music therapists are able to meet clients at their
own levels and allow them to grow from there. The malleability of music
makes it a medium that can be adapted to meet the needs of each
individual.
- Music is motivating and enjoyable.
- Music can promote relatedness, relaxation, learning, and self-expression.
- Music therapy addresses multiple developmental issues simultaneously.
- Music therapy can provide success-oriented opportunities for achievement and mastery.
- The
structure and sensory input inherent in music help to establish
response and role expectations, positive interactions, and organization.
