A lot of people from different cultures believe that music is therapeutic. And it is not limited to soothing an aching heart; it can also improve moods and help cure physical and mental illnesses. Studies show that many patients who have cancer, depression, or ADD have better improvement rates if the music is involved in the therapy. Some medical establishments today use music to help their patients feel better. Research shows that music can ease the mind of a person it helps eliminate stress, making it a useful tool for recovery.
Today, music as therapy is a recognized profession. Some hospitals employ these individuals to support patients who are sick. Organizations focused on cancer also need the help of these musicians, and cancer patients are usually referred to them if they are in pain for long periods. Some patients that have an issue with their motor skills or communication skills can benefit a lot from this form of therapy. Some examples of diseases, and ailments, where music therapy can make a positive impact are the following:
This form of therapy has taken different variations. Some examples are cognitive behavioral therapy, neurological therapy, and behavioral therapy in general. A new branch of science also sprung from it, called NMT or neurological music therapy. It is a science that studies the effect of music on the brain. It aims to fully understand how the brain responds to music, and whether the approach can be improved further.
Autism is one of the many conditions where music therapy is applied. It is a disorder that affects children, and parents can immediately see this condition as early as infancy. Before the child reaches the age of three, experts can make a conclusive statement whether he has autism or not, but the symptoms can manifest as early as six months.
An autistic child will usually display symptoms of an inability to communicate. They also do not interact, and they have repetitive behavior, often with a limited interest in their surroundings. The child will be impaired for life and is likely not be able to live on his own, although there are rare cases when an autistic person can function normally in society.
The music used for autistic children is something that is not too complex to follow. Often, the purpose is to engage the child in dancing or singing. This approach is crucial to help the child become sociable. The child can also choose to play an instrument, should he desire to do so. Musical activities can be another avenue where the autistic child can acquire a new skill.
Music is also present around autistic children because it calms them, and it makes them more responsive to people and objects. Music makes autistic children more expressive. They laugh and learn without the necessity for a myriad of human contact. As a result, the days go by with extreme focus on the child's development, instead of calming him down during fits of tantrums.
As the music therapy progresses, the child is encouraged to sing and dance, provided that the child shows an interest in those activities. If not, they are not forced. If they do, then the children are more likely to develop faster and become more fulfilled with little social limitations.
Although it does not qualify as a disease, it must be noted that the right approach is imperative to make to deal with an autistic child. They have special needs that an adult can only fulfill if he is trained. Even if a child responds positively to music, the parents must still consult with experts to find the best method how music can be used to improve the child's development.
Here are resources that you can use about music therapy: