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Effects Of Music On Autism

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Autism is a developmental disability that mostly occurs within the first three years of a child's life. It affects the regular development of the brain in the areas of social interactions and communication abilities. Music therapy is one of the many ways to help enhance the skills that these children have trouble with. Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (American Music Therapy Association, 2012) .There is research that shows that children with autism show an interest and positive response to the music. Many people with autism show a natural talent for …show more content…
In many autistic people, the center of the brain that controls the emotional responses to sensory stimuli has abnormally dense packed neurons and many others have larger sized brains that average. These neurological deformations contribute to the persons over or under active senses. Something as simple as a tag on the back of a shirt might feel like sandpaper to them, and some may find ordinary noises painful to hear. Some things that would regularly be very painful to one person might be even more or less painful to them. Music provides auditory, visual and tactile stimulation. The rhythm of music is very organizing for the sensory systems of autistic people. Hearing the same beat repeatedly is helpful to a person's walking stride or gait. Music therapy strategies can address poor balance and and coordination issues. The different activities such as dancing, clapping and rhythmic movements help establish a better hand eye …show more content…
It is hard for them to build relationships with others. Some may prefer to be alone or just have trouble working with others around them. As an infant, they may not want to be touched or cuddled with like most babies like. They will make little to no eye contact when speaking to someone. Emotions may be a rollercoaster. When there is no explainable reason to be crying, they might cry, or there might be times that they are anxious or distressed for reasons that nobody else can understand. Occasionally aggressive behavior may become apparent. They might hit or bite themselves or others. Change in environment or schedule is not something that is easily handled. There might be a lot of resistance or refusal when changes are being made. There is one theory that explains these behaviors; Persons with autism can not communicate or express feelings normally because they do not fully understand that others have thoughts, desires, interests, and intentions (Julie Guy). A 2009 study by Kim, Wigram, & Gold found that children with autism showed more emotional expression and social engagement during music therapy sessions than in play sessions without music (ASF, 2013) Social song stories can be created specifically for the person to learn certain behaviors such as turn- taking, sharing with others, listening and responding to others and appropriate interaction with peers. In music therapy, an individual has the chance

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