In various research projects it has been concluded that music therapy is one of the best & most suitable ways for improving children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Brief About ASD:
Autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) is a condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behavior. It is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder it affects the functioning of the brain, affects the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.
Autism is one of five disorders which fall under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).
The five disorders are Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett Syndrome, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
Need areas to improve ASD:
- COGNITIVE
- SPEECH
- COMMUNICATION
- MOTOR SKILLS
- SENSORY INTEGRATION
- BEHAVIOUR/SOCIAL
Music Therapy & Autism:
Music Therapy provides a medium for children with autism to explore and learn new developmental, communication, social, emotional, behavioral, academic, motor, and sensory processing skills.
Music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, so it stimulates cognitive functioning & also helps in improvement of speech & language skills. Music therapy can also enable those without language to communicate & express. Music Therapy helps in Improving attention span, including gaining and maintaining attention.
Music provides concrete, multi-sensory stimulation. The rhythmic component of music is very organizing for the sensory systems of individuals diagnosed with autism. As a result, auditory processing and other sensory-motor, perceptual/motor, gross and fine motor skills can be enhanced through music therapy. It helps in developing and improving gross motor skills such as directionality, balance, coordination, and walking.
