Dr. Richardson goes on to say, “Children with autism often have an affinity for music. A child might have a song that he or she sings to calm himself/herself. Or perhaps, the child has a type of music (such as Disney songs) that he or she is drawn to. Because of this, music therapists have a natural and often non-threatening avenue for communication with that child. A child may sing words that he or she will not speak, which then is the start of communication between the child and music therapist.”
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to take my harp into an Autism school in the nation of Jordan. There were so many remarkable interactions with the students. The teachers were amazed at how much involvement took place with students that usually remained very aloof. One particular girl I remember who was deaf, as well as autistic, just sat over in the corner and stared blankly into space. So, I took the harp over to her and placed her hand on the soundbox as I played a few chords. As she felt the vibrations of the strings, her face lit up like sunshine and she looked at me with such engagement that her teachers couldn’t believe the transformation.
In another article on the site by Barbara Weidlein titled, “Music Therapy Addresses Trauma”, she lists ways that Music Therapy assists trauma victims in recovery.
• Non-verbal outlets for emotions associated with traumatic experiences
• Anxiety and stress reduction
• Positive changes in mood and emotional states
• Active and positive participant involvement in treatment
• Enhanced feelings of control, confidence, and empowerment
• Positive physiological changes, such as lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and relaxed muscle tension
Music has even been shown to help severe Parkinson’s disease victims who had lost their ability to walk without a walker, be able to coordinate their movements into a regular gate, while the music was playing.
A friend sent me this video from Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/VTRhythmic/videos/895008934007120/
There are many other conditions that music has been successful in addressing, and we will visit some more of them in the issues to come. I give Board-Certified Music Therapists all the credit that is due them, for their dedication to gain the specific knowledge required to address specific disease and pathological conditions. Plus, how they interact with other medical personnel in providing a healing program for each individual.
Music can be very beneficial even without a certified professional present. Music can be incorporated into virtually all areas of our lives, and we will be more healthy and thriving because of it. As we continue to understand the many benefits of music, I encourage you to find new ways to make it a part of your life!