MUSIC HELPS AUTISTC CHILDREN IMPROVE BEHAVIOR AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Raising children with autism and living a struggled life every day is not easy. Playing the dual role, since Job, Alex’s father has passed away when he was just 2, was even more tormenting. I am Angela, mother of a child with ASD and works as an Instructional Designer with an IT firm in Chicago.

I am here to share my experiences, probably, to help many parents who raised autistic children. To begin with there are lot many things that taught me in upbringing my child. It is said that music keeps people alive. Individuals of all ages and with severe disabilities are immensely benefited from music therapy. Amazing fact is music therapy is used to support emotional, cognitive, and social development disorders. Music is helped to promote a routine lifestyle, in reducing the stress levels, enhancing memory, and improving communication. I bought Alex so many sensory toys and writing CLAW to improve his handwriting which his class teacher always complained of.  I so loved to cherish each moment spent with Alex.  With sensory toys, I have seen how his life has become more meaningful and more than just and imagination.       

It is believed by well-known professors and experts of special needs children that music in teens and children with ASD can significantly improves social behaviors, increases concentration and notably improves communication skills. It helps reduce the anxiety and improves their gestures and movements Researches by some of the professors have found that children with autism spectrum respond well to music. Special needs children are not blessed with good communication skills that makes them unable to express the needs and desires to their parents and teachers when in classroom. Music has got a potential therapeutic tool that gives promising results. 

Now Lets discuss how music does wonder in healing.

Music promotes social interactions

 

A study by Kim, Wigram & Gold found that children with autism showed more emotional connection and notable social engagement and behavior simulation during music therapy sessions. In addition to, a skilled therapist can use music with children to increase the social interaction and improve social skills.    

Music improves behavior

Children with autism in this study observed hour-long sessions of music therapy once a week that has shown significant improvement in their behavior. Each child’s conduct was monitored against a checklist of target behavior like restlessness, aggression and the like. Results of the study were shared with many of the parents and trainers across the city.   

Music is fun

Music therapy is effective and delighting with children of all ages with severe disabilities. Good music therapy is able to bring about transition in social behavior and cognitive ability if done on prolonged basis.  Music is believed to be an effective way of communication and a best way to come close to understand their needs and desires, making them lead normal life like other children.