The Benefits of Music Therapy

The idea that music is powerful is an understatement. We are all taken captive by music on a day to day basis whether it’s getting goosebumps when our favorite song comes on or when we hear a song that sparks a specific memory. Many don’t know the impact that music has on those with severe disorders such as Autism, though.

For decades, scientists have been studying the effects of music on the brain and have made advancements in therapy programs such as music therapy, which relies solely on treating patients through music. The correlation of music therapy on people with severe mental disorders, especially Autism is truly astonishing.

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States, affecting 1 in every 68 kids born and continues to get more and more common. In fact, the prevalence of autism in young children has increased by 119.4 percent from 2000 to 2010. Although Autism is not curable, many believe treatments such as music therapy can help patients adapt and increase skill development.

One of the many impacts that music therapy has on Autism patients is that music stimulates the use of both hemispheres of the brain, which increases cognitive thinking, something that autism patients have difficulty with. This is key because it helps increase their learning capabilities and creates a positive learning environment.

Ever wonder where those goosebumps came from when listening to music? That’s caused by dopamine. Music releases dopamine in the brain which is the chemical triggering happiness and love. Dopamine increase in the brain of patients with Autism can help them battle depression, a characteristic found in Autism patients. Also, Autism patients struggle communicating as well as suffer from anxiety. Music therapy gives autism patients a means to communicate and express themselves non-verbally.

Lastly, music is fun. Everyone remembers how fun it was in grade school going to music class and singing or banging as hard as you could on the xylophone. Starting young patients with Autism in music therapy can help them get over social interaction problems due to them being in a group setting doing something fun!

It’s amazing what music can do, especially those with Autism and other developmental disorders. To those impacted by Autism, music therapy is a great way to help treat it and overcome some of the debilitations that Autism can throw your way.

References
Data & Statistics. (2016, July 11). https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
De Vivo, M. (n.d.). Music Therapy for Children with Autism. ASF Blog. https://autismsciencefoundation.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/music-therapy-may-help-children-with-autism/

Comments

[Mike Lynch]

Whether you need help socially, cognitively, physically, emotionally, or developmentally, music can help you get better…and music therapists are well-trained on how to do that.