Music Therapy For The Developmentally Disabled

Reflecting on and developing the applications of music therapy, this collection will help establish effective therapy methods in which the creative use of music is employed by skilled and clinically experienced music therapists in a client-oriented interactive process.

The author describes how, in practice, music therapists work at child day care centres, adult day care centres and in other institutions. The first chapters cover the history and theory of working with music with people with developmental disabilities. The main body of the book covers discussion of the various methods, including individual and group work. Each method is described in terms of the clinical indications, the objectives set and the choice of techniques and musical instruments, and is illustrated through the use of case study. The final chapter draws conclusions for both theory and practice.

A collection of 100 group music activities that provides an insight to music therapists who are new to working with client group, and inspiration to those familiar with working with adults but in need of fresh ideas.

This book offers the practical, ready-to-use MuSense program. Originally designed for music therapists working with individuals with profound multiple disabilities, the MuSense program provides comprehensive guidance to music therapists on how to effectively work with individuals whose needs can be extremely difficult to meet. Containing a robust, structured, evidence-based protocol of music therapy, and supported by case studies throughout, this book is also an essential resource in treatment planning for other diverse populations needing to develop enhanced body and sensory awareness.

This extended edition offers a comprehensive understanding of music therapy practice for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Drawing on recent research and rigorous scientific evidence, it spans topics such as effective interventions, diagnostic criteria, managing sensory processing issues, inclusion and advocacy.

The book includes relevant medical, psychological, and developmental information to help service providers and parents to understand children with disabilities. In this revised edition, the author has updated or eliminated some of the medical information and added more related music therapy literature. This book can be used as a valuable handbook for clinicians. Also, it may be used as a primary or supplemental textbook in classes to prepare music therapy students to work with children who have disabilities. All music therapy students who complete an undergraduate curriculum should know the characteristics and common needs of the major disabilities discussed in this book. In addition, class work and clinical experiences must include basic techniques and materials used to accomplish the goals and objectives set for each child. This is addressed in a manner that will be useful to all personnel working with children with disabilities.The first two chapters describe the process of assessment and delineation of goals in music therapy, which leads to the design of the music therapy portion of the IEP or care plan. Subsequent evaluation allows progress to be stated objectively. The remaining chapters describe each population of children to be served, with emphasis on medical and psychological characteristics unique to each population, and specific goals and procedures to be used in music therapy. The CAMEOS model is used in this book to address the child’s Communication, Academic, Motor, Emotional, Organizational, and Social needs and ways these may be addressed through music therapy. Whether the child is homebound, included in regular classes, seen in a resource room or special education program, or in hospital care, he/she has needs that can be described within the CAMEOS model. Music therapy may provide service in each of these areas.

The story of the author's life and work as a music therapist. The book begins with Edi offering her personal thoughts about music therapy, as both a profession and a personal vocation. She then shares her autobiography, with warm and wonderful stories that show the inevitable direction of her life's work -- her Tao as a music therapist. In the main section of the book, Edi illustrates her approach to music therapy through eleven moving case studies, each illustrating the "continuum of awareness" that served as a foundation for her approach. The cases are written with the love and humor that Edi brought to her work with individuals who have developmental disabilities. Musical examples are provided, along with photographs. At the end, Edi shares her vision of "music therapy for living, " including its potential for bringing world peace.