The Beauty of Music

Since I work with autistic and disabled children, I wanted to find out about AT that was out there that I could possibly introduce to my clients family that would be of good use. Also, I thought this would be useful since many of you work with children or will in the future. I came across this article about music and autistic children.

Reading further into the article, the author discusses the barriers that autistic children face; impairment of social interaction, social communication, and social imagination. I was blown away at the description of each because the resemble one of my clients to a T. Music therapy involves sound and movement which can soothe children with autism because of the sensory involvement.

The core part of the article introduces computer programs that help in impairment areas by helping the learner compose their own music, autonomy, concentration, and sequencing skills to name a few. Computers are ideal because they are seen as more predictable and controllable versus adults and other children. Since working with my one client in particular I know understand why he LOVES playing on the computer! Being in control of making their own music and playing games offered by these programs allows the child to have the comfort of “being in control” while at the same time learning essential skills of daily living.

I am hoping to use this concept as a way to help my client be able to independently recognize patterns which is an area of weakness. Posted below is a link to this article.

http://www.closingthegap.com/ctg2/solutions/authenticate.lasso?-session=XServeAuthenticate:4B6E397404f5430F61WoL390B88F