For individuals with special needs, music therapy can be an effective tool to assist with areas such as communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and cognitive function. These goals are achieved by using various music therapy techniques such as instrumental or vocal improvisations, movement and music interventions, song writing, and singing. Individuals may have diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Down Syndrome, and anxiety disorders.
Potential Goals:
-Increase sustained or selective attention functions
-Increase speech production and functional vocabulary
-Improve social skills (ex. turn taking, sharing)
-Learn emotional coping skills and positive sensory stimulation
Music Therapy Process:
I offer weekly in-house 1:1 sessions for 30min, 45min, or 60min.
Each individual starts with an assessment session. In this assessment I try to learn and understand as much about the client’s needs and potential goals in music therapy. After this session I complete an assessment form that is shared with the individual or their family. In this assessment I recommend goal areas and the treatment process for their music therapy sessions. This treatment process is outlined by number of sessions and session duration ex. 10weeks of 30min music therapy sessions.
After completing the treatment process with the client I provide a progress report that outlines the results of the therapy process and includes any recommendations regarding the continuation of music therapy services.