How Classical Music Benefits Children With Learning Disabilities

We have long known about the ability of classical music to provide pleasure and stir up deep emotions. Undoubtedly, music has a powerful impact on the brain. Studies have shown that classical music can also help children with special needs through a variety of significant improvements including reduced stress, increased IQ, and improved ability to concentrate. Further, music can make children feel more positive and improve their creative thinking. The bottom line is that classical music can make a huge difference in the lives of those with disorders like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADD and ADHD and mental retardation.

The Mozart Effect and the Power of Music

The term "The Mozart Effect" has gone mainstream, as now there are a variety of products including everything from CDs to toys that use Mozart's music to improve a person's ability to perform mental tasks. A wide variety of experts theorize that listening to Mozart can actually boost intelligence too. Don Campbell who wrote The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit has declared that the Mozart Effect is "an inclusive term signifying the transformational powers of music in health, education, and well-being."

An issue of Nature Journal in 1993 published remarkable findings from studies at The University of California at Irvine. In one study, group of students listened to Mozart while a second group listed to a tape with suggestions for relaxation. A third test group just had 10 minutes of silence. When these students were given a test on spatial IQ, those who listened to Mozart showed to have a significantly higher spatial IQ.

Some scientists speculate that complicated sounds like classical music boosts the operation of firing patterns in the brain's cortex. Studies have also shown that those even with Alzheimer's disease do better on spatial IQ tests after listening to Mozart. One of the reasons that classical music is so powerful in contrast to other forms of music is that it has sequences that repeat throughout a musical piece. Often these sequences appear about every 20 or 30 seconds. Due to the fact that brain wave patterns also take place in 30-second cycles, this type of music can provide the most powerful type of response.

The Mozart Effect has very real implications for those with learning disorders. Listening to classical music will not only boost IQ, but it will also help children concentrate better and memorize new information. When a child hears classical music, it can create the ideal conditions for learning and creativity.

One additional boost to the implications of classical music's positive impact on learning and the brain occurred in 1998 when the governor of Georgia Zell Miller included over $100,000 annually in the budget for the state for tapes and CDs of classical music for all of children born in Georgia. He was persuaded to take this bold step due to the various studies that listening to classical music spurs intelligence.

Music Therapy

Classical music can positively impact everything from emotional development to motor skills to cognitive functioning. There is an entire field of psychology called Music Therapy where therapists improve the health of their clients through using music. Professionals like teachers, physicians and psychologists regularly refer children for music therapy. Music Therapists can even help rehabilitate people who have had strokes through the power of music.

Kids with learning disorders like ADD, ADHD, and autism can benefit from Music Therapy, as it will help them to feel calmer and less impulsive. Further, many children will feel more comfortable opening up about their feelings when they are exposed to music. At this point, therapists can help children to overcome their frustrations and assist to boost their self-esteem.

Distractions and Music

One thing that many children with learning disorders have in common is that they are easily distracted. Different noises can take their attention away from a task at hand. However, when classical music is used therapeutically, it changes the way the ear functions and stimulates the brain.

Children with a variety of learning disorders including autism are experiencing positive results from Tomatis Listening Therapy. During therapy sessions, classical music is sent into the right ear and the sound is also vibrated through the bones in the body. One of the goals of this therapy is to get the ears in sync and re-balance the system. The philosophy behind this treatment is that it can allow its recipients to begin performing to the best of their abilities.

Many children have also improved their ADHD conditions through learning to play a music instrument. The act of practicing playing classical music and listening to it at the same time can teach kids to lengthen their attention span.

The Calming Ability of Music

When children with special needs listen to classical music, it provides a positive and relaxing experience. Remarkably, classical music can also reduce stress and ease frustrations. Further, it can reduce muscle tension and slow down the heart rate. When these changes occur, the mind is more open to learning and also to communicating with others.

One study at the Baltimore St Agnes Health Care by Raymond Bahr, MD showed that when doctors played classical music for their heart patients it had the same impact as a 10 mg dose of Valium! The implications of this study for those with special needs are clear. When children with autism, cerebral palsy, ADD, ADHD, and mental retardation are able to relax and calm down, dramatic changes in their behavior become possible.

Listen to a sample of how classical music can help your child with any learning disability such as autism, Down syndrome, or any other special need by visiting http://www.4yourchildssuccess.com.

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Autism and Music Therapy

In recent years, medical professionals have combined autism and music therapy in order to determine if there are any advantages associated with this type of treatment. Music is often regarded as the most ancient form of communication among individuals worldwide because of the fact that it is considered to be common among all cultures, in all locations of the world. Due to the amazing popularity of music and the effects that it seemed to have on individuals that were subjected to it, many researchers developed what they refer to as "Music Therapy". Since the initialization of this form of therapy, it has been established that it has the ability to assist those that suffer from many different types of cognitive and physiological problems. Today, the use of music therapy is becoming increasingly popular for children that suffer from autism. Throughout this health guide, you will learn many interesting facts on autism music therapy.

Certified Music Therapists

The individuals that focus on autism and music therapy are known as "Certified Music Therapists". If your child has autism, it is absolutely imperative that you choose a therapist that has an extensive education and valuable experiences in the field of music based therapy. The professionals will be identified as "Music Therapist-Board Certified" or "MT-BC", and commonly work in educational settings, clinics that specialize in developmental disorders, and private practices. These professionals use an assortment of music types in order to assist in building skills in the autistic child. Furthermore, it has been found that the music may be used to enhance communication skills. Many studies also indicate that these specialists are highly effective at helping an autism patient experience lower anxiety levels.

Benefits of Autism Music Therapy

Autism and music therapy works to address the most common problems experienced by those that suffer from this condition. These problems include communication difficulties, issues with behavior that is considered to be aggressive or inappropriate, as well as social interaction issues. Autism therapy using music combines many different types of elements in order to enable the autistic child to communicate effectively and openly express their true feelings. While many forms of therapy have been used to assist children suffering from autism, music based therapy is the one treatment that shows the most promising results. The following highlights the benefits associated with autism and music therapy:

1. Autistic children that have participated in this form of therapy have been found to be successful at building relationships with others. As a result of this development, the children are motivated to learn and master behaviors that are considered to be socially acceptable.

2. Since autistic children often have high functioning cognitive abilities, many have learned to engage in musical activities such as playing an instrument. Not only is this wonderful for cognitive development, but it is beneficial for their academic and social growth.

3. Many songs that are designed for autism and musical therapy sessions include catchy lyrics that instruct a child how to behave appropriately or engage in certain activities. By being exposed to these catchy lyrics, children with this disorder are more likely to learn rapidly and progress in their development of basic skills.

Conclusion

While there are many productive forms of therapy for autism, autism music therapy is considered to be one of the most effective. Unfortunately, this type of therapy is not offered in many locations. You should not let that stop you, though. If you have an interest in autism and music therapy, you are fully capable of creating an at-home autism music therapy program. Simply purchase items such as musical DVDs or CDs that are designed for children. These often include lyrics that are catchy, easy to remember, and instruct on proper behaviors and how to engage in basic skills - such as buttoning clothing or brushing the teeth. You will quickly discover just how engaged your child becomes. By exposing your child to autism music therapy, you will be able to see their cognitive growth and development. Autism and music therapy sessions seem to go hand in hand. Many rewards are reaped by families that engage in this type of therapy.

This author has an interest in providing parents a source of high quality toys, puzzles, games, and more that enhance their child's emotional, intellectual, and psychological growth. To discover wonderful toys for children visit: http://www.mytoysmart.com

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Autism Symptoms & Music - 5 Ways Music Can Make a Difference With Autism

Most people understand that music is very enjoyable. There are aspects of music that bring a peace of mind and spirit. There are also aspects that are very structured and scientific.

All of these elements can provide the autistic person with some great tools and experiences to help them reach milestones and connect more with those around them. Here are some ways music can help...

Nonverbal Communication: Many Autistic people have limited or no verbal skills. Music provides them a way to express themselves without words. Sometimes this is just getting feelings out. Music has also been shown to increase verbal ability in those with autism, particularly through singing.

Motor Skills: Providing musical opportunities to those with autism is a great way to improve motor skills. Holding an instrument, clapping hands, and moving to the music all increase dexterity and muscle coordination.

Motivation: Music is a great motivator. The love of the music and desire to do more leads those with autism to spend more time with the music and in turn more time developing the skills the music provides.

Structure & Repetition: Music is not random, it is very structured and includes elements that are more constant like the fundamental timing or tempo of the piece and also provides repetition such as the rhythm or the lyrics. These things are very important to a person with autism who finds repetition and structure to be a place of calm.

Spontaneity and Flexibility: Even though music is structured there is still much room to be playful and to change things as you go. This helps the autistic individual to build confidence in their ability to go with the flow and helps them better adapt to the lack of structure in the world around them.

As you can see there's much more music can do for an autistic person than just a chance at recreation. When used in certain ways music can give a person with autism a better quality of life.

Find Simple Ways Music Can Improve your Day to Day Life through the free four part mini course available at http://www.ourmusicalhome.com While you're there you can read more about how music is important for all of life and ways to reach your own personal goals.

More information about autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and PDD-NOS can be found at http://www.myautisminfo.com

We would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Comment areas are available at both sites.

From Deborah Lee --- who wants you to have a more musical home and a more musical life.

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The Relationship Between Music and Autism - Understanding the Benefits

Parents of autistic children can find searching out suitable treatment options can become a never-ending struggle. Indeed, the hardest part can often be figuring out which new treatments are the most effective, and which are merely speculative. With regards to music and autism, it is widely agreed that music is a great tool for treating autistic children, and can also help in the diagnostic phase.

As has been widely documented, children with autism have difficulty with their ability to communicate, learn successfully, interact in a social setting, and develop new skill sets. But music has been shown to help all of these problems, due mainly in the way which it is structured.

Basically, it is the repetition and different anticipated progressions that make music so effective at reaching autistic children. The children learn patience and tolerance from music, and can apply these lessons in social situations.

In addition to being a great tool for helping to teach and treat autistic children, music can help in the diagnosis of autism as well. For example, exposing a child to music can help determine the level and severity of the specific case. And, specific strengths and weaknesses of the child can also be identified through music.

As a separate benefit, some studies have shown that autistic children are much more eager to listen to music than other children in the same age group are. So while music can be a very valuable tool for teaching autistic children, it can also be a rewarding experience for the child, giving it dual purpose.

One possible reason for this is that studies have shown autistic children have a more refined ability to differentiate between pitch, therefore creating a more enjoyable and interactive experience for them when listening to music.

There are many ways in which to incorporate music and autism. A popular method is to have stories told while incorporating musical elements, thereby increasing an autistic child's interest and learning ability. Often times, these stores are specifically designed for autistic children, and come as part of a set or series. These can even be purchased based on age or learning-ability.

Basically, the ultimate goal of these music-themed lessons is to increase patience, improve the ability to learn, improve social interaction, and to increase memory. And while the benefits to utilizing musical therapy in treating autism are numerous and effective, perhaps the most important benefit is the enjoyment that an autistic child can get from listening to music

Essentially, music and autism are linked together, and have been proven so repeatedly. Whether this is because of autistic children's enhanced ability to discern pitch, or an interest in the complex yet repetitive structure of music, the increased response to music is an extremely important learning tool, and should be utilized by parents and teachers appropriately. Ultimately, this will be for the benefit of both parent and child.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter for more information on music and autism. In the newsletter you'll find out more about the signs and symptoms of autism.

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