Music Therapy for Autistic Children: The Benefits

For people with language difficulties who struggle to communicate, music therapy can be extremely helpful. When autistic children struggle to enunciate what they are feeling or want to say, music can provide a method of communication and social interaction. 

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In music therapy, people use a range of musical activities instead of words to communicate. This includes singing, playing musical instruments, improvising, song writing and listening. All of these musical activities enhance communication as well as social skills like taking turns and making eye contact.

Music therapists also use musical activities in creative ways to teach new skills to children by pairing the new skill with the child’s own musical cues. They gradually phase the cues out once the skills start to happen automatically. 

Sometimes, a music therapist will write lyrics about a specific behavior that needs to be addressed. The therapist will often use new lyrics to a melody that the child is already familiar with so that the child will focus on the information and not the tune.

Music Can Improve Communication

Having an alternate channel of communication can often be critical for enhancing the intimacy between you and your child with autism. It has been noted that children on the autism spectrum respond very well to musical stimuli, making it a helpful tool to reinforce desired responses from them.

Additionally, music is very helpful in reducing shyness and hesitation of children with autism. It has been observed that children express themselves far better when they are together in a music class and take lessons from a therapist. Music creates a bond with the group and teachers.

Music Maintains Their Focus Which Decreases Anxiety

The calming effect of music has been well-documented in the medical community. Music is a useful supplement when children with autism learn verbal communication skills. It offers an alternative way for them to express themselves.

Music Calms Them Leading to Improved Behaviour

Music therapy can be used to improve numerous cognitive functions. There is proof that music has a soothing effect on the brain and assists with releasing neurotransmitters which give us a good feeling when we listen to music.

Autistic people can struggle to communicate. They may even exhibit aggressive behavior. Music can help children with autism to improve their social skills. It has also been shown to enhance their confidence. Music can reduce stress and anxiety levels of autistic children and adults too.

It Encourages Interaction with Instruments and Later People

Engaging with music can strengthen motor skills and improve communication for children who have developmental or learning disabilities.

Therapists use a song or instrument to support cognitive activity in such a way that self-awareness is built and relationships with others are developed. Music encourages a type of communicative behavior which includes interaction with other people – a common stumbling block for children with autism.

Think about how a band works: the instruments must all interact with each other, but the musician – initially – only really needs to interact with the instrument. For children with autism, interaction with other people is often tough, but when a musical instrument is introduced, your child will bond with it and then progress to bonding with other people who are interacting with their own instruments.

Music is an enjoyable activity that can help with behavioral changes. Remember that – just like other tried and tested therapies – music therapy is not an overnight solution to a behavioural problem or social difficulties that your child may be dealing with; it is a long-term therapy that works in conjunction with all the other interventions and therapies. Music therapy for autistic children is engaging for the child and an extremely effective way for you to communicate with your autistic child in a relaxed and safe space.

For more information on the positive powers of music therapy, contact the Autism Center for Kids.