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Is your child on the Autism spectrum?
When other forms of communication fail, music can reach your child and enable you to make a connection.
Music is a special way to make a connection with a child. When they are having difficulty managing their behavior, music can be a solution.
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Lively. Engaging. Friendly. Welcome to the Academy of Music and Art. This isn’t a quiet doctor’s office with people whispering…this is a hub of creativity. Stop by our school and you’re likely to hear guitars, pianos, drums and singing coming from our classrooms. You’ll see people dancing. The walls are covered with art. Some of our students have special needs, some don’t, and that’s fine. Everyone is welcome.
With a mixture of sound therapy, musical interventions and private music lessons, our special needs program is individualized for each student. We see children with sensory integration issues, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) Aspergers Syndrome, social anxiety, ADD, ADHD and other developmental disabilities.
Our sound therapist, Lisa Brennan is a provider of The Listening Program, a unique auditory stimulation system. The Listening Program is for children who have difficulty properly processing incoming sound. Using music and sound as tools to help bring the child out of isolation; The Listening Program is practical and safe. The Listening Program trains the auditory system to accurately process sound for improved listening, learning, attention, and social interaction.
Music lessons are also available and often recommended – choose from piano, guitar and drums. Not all students are alike and each is educated in a way that is most helpful to them. We create a unique program for each student based on his or her unique abilities and needs. Frequent reassessments from Lisa help determine the proper balance between Auditory Stimulation and private lessons.
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Music and the Autistic Child
It has been noted time and again that children on the autism spectrum display unusual sensitivities to music. Some have perfect pitch, while many have been noted to play instruments with exceptional skill. This unique responsiveness to music can be adapted to non-musical goals.
Speech:
Music can be particularly effective in the development and remediation of speech. Since autistic children sometimes sing when they may not speak, music can be used as a tool to work systematically on speech through vocal music activities.
Social Skills:
Music is particularly useful with autistic children in part due to the non-threatening nature of the medium, which provides bridges between people and/or between individuals and their environment. This facilitates relationships, learning, self-expression, and communication.
Self Esteem:
Many children on the autism spectrum have innate musical talents. Music provides an opportunity for successful experiences, thereby increasing the self-esteem of the child.
Multi-Sensory Stimulation:
The rhythmic component of music can be used to help organize the sensory systems of children on the autism spectrum. As a result, auditory processing and other motor skills can be enhanced through the use of music.
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Benefits may include:
· Increased self-esteem, emotional expression, speech and socialization skills
· Opportunity to experience a sense of choice and control
· Outlet for self-expression
· Increased cognitive awareness
· A vehicle for social support
Call to arrange an initial evaluation and to receive the free report, "A Beginners Guide to Music Lessons." After an initial evaluation, your individualized program will be created.
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Here’s what a parent had to say about Lisa
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Lisa,
I noticed something! Neal has been sleeping thru the night since the 1st therapy session on Thursday (not that night but subsequent nights). He's also more vocal about what is stressing him out which helps me understand where he's coming from to help him. I don't know if one session can do this - but I'm grateful to you!
Thank you,
Vasavi
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"Lisa's multi-faceted approach combines knowledge and passion to create wonderful sessions for my child. He has learned to express himself in a safe and fun environment while strengthening his ability to attend, interact and learn through the power of music and sound therapy. He works on targeted social skills, sensory regulation strategies and relaxation techniques. He is becoming more socially aware and independent, opening up a whole new world of opportunity for him."
Lea Sioukas
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