Music & Movement Therapy

Exposure to music in early childhood significantly contributes to a child's holistic development and learning. For children experiencing hearing loss, music can enhance memory, cognitive abilities, language, and speech skills. In classroom settings, educators provide information on songs and movements, accompanied by handouts that assist families in incorporating music into their daily home routine

Various types of movement-based interventions exist. Studies indicate that a range of movement therapies can be effectively employed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, the benefits may not be uniformly experienced by all individuals. Each person with ASD is unique, leading to a diverse array of both positive and negative responses to the various forms of movement therapies.

Movement-based interventions hold significant importance for this population for several reasons. Firstly, they represent a form of physical activity. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities who experience limitations in physical activity face an increased risk of obesity, and certain medications prescribed for ASD have been associated with considerable weight gain . Additionally, these interventions offer opportunities for social engagement, particularly beneficial for children. Furthermore, movement therapies can facilitate enhancements across the three domains of learning—psychomotor, cognitive, and affective—leading to improved emotional well-being and the development of leisure skills.

What movement-based strategies can assist a child in developing the gross motor skills essential for achieving controlled, coordinated, and sequenced fine motor movements?

• Sensory Integration

• Gross motor activities (Motor Planning, Crossing-midline, etc.)

• Yoga

• Music and Movement (AMT, DMT)

• Daily Routines/Chores (bathing, dressing, cooking, sweeping, watering plants, etc.)

• Fine Motor activities

• Oral Sensory and Motor activities targeting speech movements

• AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication)

The aforementioned methods will facilitate the formation and enhancement of motor patterns in the brain, contributing to the development of controlled, coordinated, and sequenced motor patterns necessary for speech

Why to Add Music ?

• It’s fun for children!

• When we listen to music, virtually the whole brain is involved.

• Listening Programs enable neural symphony, connecting the various parts of the brain together.

• Music and Language are processed by the same brain systems (Memorization and Rules of Language)

• Music calms us and regulates us