Music and Children With Special Needs

Music can be used for much more than just entertainment. It can be used to help those in need improve their speech and communication and more importantly their social interaction with others. Music helps everyone in many ways with an improved mood, and acts as an outreach of self-expression. But for those with disabilities, especially children, music can do so much more.  
The Power of Music Being Non-Verbal
Music can offer a sense of understanding to someone who does not speak or cannot see.  Music can help young children develop verbal skills, coordination, and stimulate brain development.  But most of all, it can help children or those with disabilities better communicate and interact with others.  
By giving these children an outlet with self-expression of music, it can help lower stress and improve their mood.  In addition, it can help with motivation, stimulation of the senses, and help a parent bond with their child.  Videos like 5 Reasons Why Music Helps Children With Special Needs provide great information on how music helps those with special needs.   
 Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder
If a child has Autism Spectrum Disorder, they may have trouble with social interaction, expressing themselves verbally or emotionally.  When a child has autism, learning a musical instrument first would allow them to first be able to play that instrument and then be able to communicate with others.  
The benefits of this music therapy can help reduce anxiety, increase communication and interaction with others.  Some research shows that children with music therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder can successfully have more social engagement after experiencing music therapy in the classroom.  
Many different music therapy activities which include listening to music, creating music with instruments, dancing to music, and singing could all provide useful benefits for children and others with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  
 Find Music Therapy Near You 
The American Music Therapy Association has many resources to help you learn about music therapy.  If you click on the “Individual Directory Search”, you can specify your search and look for a particular area of music therapy.  You can also use any of the supported links on their website and connect to other websites, like the Certification Board for Music Therapists.  
Conducting your own research or using resources in your community such as elementary schools, day cares, and other professionals may also help you find reputable music therapy for your child.  
Overall, music therapy is one of the best resources for children with disabilities.  The benefits clearly outweigh any drawbacks where children can have fun, better communicate and interact with others, all at the same time while learning or playing music.