Search Results for: blog how music therapy can help your child

Interactive Metronome Could Help Symptoms of ADHD

Typically, the standard treatment for ADHD involves medication. Not all parents are comfortable with the idea of giving their child a daily dose of drugs. Another helpful option could be the use of something called an Interactive Metronome. ADHD is frequently treated with the use of medication. There are a couple of different types of medicines that doctors may prescribe for treating the symptoms of ADHD. It can take some “trial and error” to discover exactly which ADHD medication, and which dosage, works the best for a particular child. Once that is discovered, it is generally best to follow the … Continue reading →

Music Therapy Benefits Children With Special Needs

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Music is powerful. It can evoke strong emotions, inspire people to dance, and bring back memories of the past. There are many ways that music therapy can help children who have a special need. Parents interested in having their child try music therapy should seek out a licensed music therapist. Music therapy is an evidence based use of music interventions in order to assist a child with accomplishing specific goals. People who are licensed music therapists are part of an established health profession. The music therapist and the child he or she is working with will use this therapeutic relationship … Continue reading →

Great Expectations

This is another blog about how my feelings didn’t quite match up to my beliefs when put to the test. Is it easier to accept that our adopted children have special needs than it is with our birth children? To be sure, knowing ahead of time helps. We adopted our first daughter knowing there was a 50-50 chance she’d need open heart surgery within two years. It was a common, “routine” operation, we were assured, and we glibly proceeded with plans. One day I stopped short and realized that if someone told me my birth son, then a toddler, would … Continue reading →

“My Son Has Juvenile Diabetes and Autism.” A Mother’s Interview

The following interview is with Ammey, a mother whose children have multiple medical and cognitive conditions. Of particular interest to me is her situation with her oldest son, Khy, who has both juvenile diabetes and autism. Ammey responded to my blog, Do You Have BOTH Juvenile Diabetes and Autism in Your Family? Here is her story. 1. Tell us a little about your family. My name is Ammey, and I’ve been married for thirteen years to my husband Mikel. We have three children: Our son Khy is 14, Kaine is 11, and Lilli is four. Khy has autism, asthma, type … Continue reading →

Music Therapy

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Music as a form of therapy is a powerful aid to stress release and is useful for a number of conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, even autistic spectrum disorders. The value of music therapy was first documented after WWII when doctors serving at medical outposts noticed that shell-shocked soldiers recovered more quickly and to a greater degree when exposed to the calming sounds of music. Researchers have also used music to help the developmental progress of autistic children, but the field of music therapy has expanded from its initial narrow application to include many forms of mental … Continue reading →

Trouble for Tenors

I am not much of an opera fan. That is to say, I am not an opera fan at all, but I can appreciate a great voice. One of those great voices just passed away and there are speculations that another one is seriously ill. World class tenor Jerry Hadley died today, a week after he attempted suicide. He was found unconscious last week in his Clinton Corners home after shooting himself with a air rifle. The 55-year-old had been on life support, but was removed from it two days ago. Hadley had a reputation for taking on demanding work, … Continue reading →

Preemies Listening to Vivaldi?

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Music therapy for preemies is cropping up all over the world, and it’s showing promising results! Music therapy is designed to help relax the infant and studies are showing that it improves neurological functions! Here are some unique ways in which preemies are being treated with music. Granada, Spain Nurses at a maternity hospital put speakers up to an incubator three times a day. The therapy has several goals. The first is to reduce cortical levels (the hormone present when we’re stressed). Secondly, researchers are looking to see if they can help improve the bonding between the preemies and their … Continue reading →

Perks of Public Education: M = Music

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My school, along with the previous school at which I taught, both have a music program. I feel that music is an important element to education. Public schools with a good music program and a good music teacher are blessed. Some elementary schools have a chorus and a band. One of our local school’s chorus programs recently sang at a Nashville competition. The music programs at the schools in my area perform Christmas and other special programs for the parents. A good music teacher gets the students out of their desks. She has them moving around the room. The children … Continue reading →

“I Want to Be a Singer When I Grow Up.”

HELLO READERS! I’m back blogging after an unexpected hiatus. I must say, I needed the break. However, I feel a bit like somebody getting back on the exercise bike after a long self-indulgent vacation–somewhat saddle sore. I truly appreciate those of you who have rifled through my archives in my absence. Tonight during dinner, Kyle said, “I want to be a singer when I grow up.” I love that statement, and I’ve been pondering it for a while. It demonstrates that Kyle is thinking about the future, at least in a limited way, which is hard for autistic children. I … Continue reading →

Strengthening Fine Motor Skills

This year, the kindergarten classes at my school have many students with weak fine motor skills. It seems as though each year the number of children who lack the ability to control a pencil is increasing. We now have occupational therapists working with several children. Many children with fine motor deficiencies are reluctant to practice. Fine motor activities are hard for them and their muscles are weak. Because practice is exactly what these children need, teachers and parents must create activities that are both fun and beneficial. Below, I have listed some activities that my children enjoy. Strengthen hand and … Continue reading →