Music Therapy

Music therapy is the use of music to address non-musical goals. More and more parents and professionals are finding that music can break down barriers for children with autism in areas such as cognition, communication, and socialisation.

While music therapists are experienced professionals who create unique interventions, many of the principles of music therapy can be implemented by therapists, teachers, and parents-even by people who do not consider themselves musical.

This book explains how to use the many elements of music to foster communication, and teaches you how to adapt music to meet a child's needs.

Each chapter contains practical ideas for using music in the home, classroom, or therapy setting. Fourteen original songs and visual aids are included. Guidelines for choosing and adapting effective music strategies are given.

Helpful topics covered include:

• Music Therapy Is
• A Qualified Music Therapist
• The Music in Music Therapy
• To Assist or Motivate
• Achieving Non-Musical Goals
• Music Captivates and Maintains Attention
• Music Structures Time
• Music Provides a Safe Place to Practice Social Skills
• Music Lets Children Control Their Environment
• Music Can Create or Emphasise a Routine