How Music Therapy Helps Children with Disabilities

Music has served as a panacea for illness for generations. Music’s ability to boost one’s mood and neutralize negative feelings is well-noted; however, many are not aware of the excellent value music can provide to those with physical illness, especially children. Music therapists and medical practitioners support the idea that music stimulates cognitive, motor, social, emotional, and communication. Children with intellectual disability, autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, and other such conditions all need specialized treatment regarding music. Music therapy can offer many treatment options specific to an individual and suitable for the child’s mental and emotional state.

Though teaching basic music theory and including other academic concepts in sessions, a music therapist can motivate children to learn for something as fun as playing music. This method would be more rewarding than teaching a child in a traditional setting.

Playing an instrument can effectively teach a child necessary gross motor skills sensory feedback, while playing an instrument can teach a child to grow in this area. This practice can also assist a child in maintaining attention to increase motor skills.

Songs allow children to be able to feel emotions and express themselves through both verbal and non-verbal communication. These songs that help children identify their feelings can increase self-awareness and responsiveness towards peers.

Music is a creative art that can be adapted to the need of each individual. Many research papers demonstrate the effect of the pitch, melody, and rhythm on children with critical disabilities.