| There are literally hundreds if not thousands of | | | | Music therapy can be useful for people who suffer |
| alternative therapies that can help in a wide range of | | | | from autism as the theory is based on the fact that |
| different ways. In this article we are going to look at | | | | everyone has a response to music regardless of their |
| music therapy and autism. We will firstly give brief | | | | handicap. In fact music has been used to help |
| information on what autism is and also what music | | | | sufferers of autism since the 1950s and the benefits |
| therapy is. We will then consider the ways in which | | | | are widely accepted. |
| music therapy can help those who suffer from | | | | One of the biggest benefits of music therapy is it |
| autism. | | | | can aid with both verbal and non-verbal |
| What is Autism? | | | | communication for people with autism. This is |
| Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the | | | | particularly useful as one of the problems people |
| normal functioning of the brain. There is no cure for | | | | suffering from autism have is their ability to |
| the condition and the severity can vary between | | | | communicate with others. It is thought that music |
| sufferers. However sufferers may find | | | | can help as it reduces stress and strain and with it |
| communication and understanding difficult. In addition | | | | helps to build relationships. This can easily be put into |
| to that many are thought to have exceptional talents | | | | practise by a parent singing to their child. |
| in some forms of their life but find more basic things | | | | It is also thought that the use of music can help a |
| impossible to carry out. Autism is normally diagnosed | | | | child suffering from autism to develop self-expression |
| when a child is about 30 months old but it is | | | | in a creative way. This can have a large number of |
| important to get a proper diagnosis to ensure you | | | | benefits as it can help to grow their confidence and |
| know exactly what you are dealing with. | | | | also help with their emotional satisfaction. The |
| What is Music Therapy? | | | | benefits are very great and wide ranging and |
| Music therapy is basically the use of music to bring | | | | something that should be considered. |
| about change. Often it is used to change the mood | | | | Conclusion |
| or perspective of a person. This is something that | | | | If your child has been diagnosed as suffering with |
| you may notice on a day to day basis as a particular | | | | autism then please discuss the use of music therapy |
| song could make you feel sad or happy. The process | | | | with your doctor. They may be able to recommend a |
| of music therapy is to use this ability to bring about | | | | centre that your child can visit and experience music |
| change in people's lives. It may be to help bring back | | | | therapy. You may also find that it is offered at the |
| memories in those suffering from dementia or to help | | | | hospital where your child is being treated. If you are |
| relax a person suffering from stress. The uses and | | | | not sure about music therapy then please do some |
| benefits of music therapy are vast and cannot be | | | | more research but it really can help and is worth |
| ignored. | | | | considering as something to really benefit your child. |
| Music Therapy and Autism | | | | |