Music
Music Services
What Is It?
Music services at the Abilities Center are provided by a certified Kindermusik instructor. The program has gained popularity as more and more scientific studies have proven that exposure to music, especially at an early age, contributes to the development of language skills, overall academic achievement, imagination and creativity. In addition, developmentally appropriate music instruction contributes to self-discipline, cooperation, social skills, motor skills and self esteem. As parents/caregivers attend music classes with children, an added bonus is the emotional bonding experience.
Music is especially effective for children on the Autistic spectrum because it is a nonverbal form of communication; it is non-threatening, it is a natural reinforcer and provides motivation for practicing nonmusical skills. Most importantly, it is a successful medium because almost everyone responds positively to at least some kind of music. Parallel music activities can support social interaction, eye contact, cooperative social behaviors and development of expressive speech. Autistic children sometimes sing when they will not speak. To hear a child on the Autistic spectrum leave a class quietly singing a song with all the words is an impressive result. To hear the same child attempt to use those words in conversation outside of the music class is nothing short of remarkable.
Who can benefit from treatment?
- Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Children with Asperger's Syndrome
- Children with developmental delays
- Children with speech-language difficulties
How can the Abilities Center help?
Our music instructor has focused her work on the young child and on reaching children with special needs through music. She has integrated language, movement and music to create a unique and effective approach to early childhood instruction. Individual and group programs are available. She is available to meet with parents to tailor a program to the child's specific needs and interests.
Major objectives of treating children using music are:
- Build social skills, eye contact, cooperative and social behaviors and development of speech.
- Build coordination and motor skills.
- Build receptive and expressive language.
- Build cognitive skills and creativity.