Music Therapy Case Example: 1 Year Old with Down Syndrome
Music Therapy plays a significant role in the development of children with special needs. Here’s how it helped “ignite” the brain of a little boy with Down syndrome.
During a trial session a mother of a young boy with Down’s syndrome was skeptical about pursuing music therapy services. Having a background in special education, she felt confident in her ability to help her son succeed and wasn’t sure about adding “another therapy” to the list.
After a few weeks of sessions, she expressed her reaction to music therapy.
From the Mom’s perspective
I contribute music therapy to have impacted my son’s growth cognitively, speech, and socially. He is able to do higher level thinking tasks (ex. puzzles). He is more verbal and although he doesn’t perform signs by himself he does understand them when shown to him. Music therapy has given him other peers to watch and learn alongside with who have become friends. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have access to this resource.
From the perspective of the Music Therapist:
As I began the music therapy session, the boy did not make facial expressions and had low energy. He needed hand over hand support to engage in anything, and he was unable to follow simple directions, vocalize, or communicate his wants and needs.
I brought out instruments and began to play with him. He needed a lot of encouragement, but I could see his curiosity grow as I showed him different sounds and helped him touch and explore instruments.
As we worked together he began to show more and more interest. He began to interact with me, and even showed a hint of a smile.
Over time we saw significant progress. From no facial expression and needing full assistance, he began to:
- Follow directions with no additional help
- Identify body parts.
- Play instruments
- Share and interact with his peers.
- Develop a personality of laughs, grunts, and adorable giggles!
Music therapy helped this sweet boy gain confidence, learn to communicate, and even make friends. It all happened through interactive, familiar, and motivating music.
Interested in how music therapy can help YOUR child? Contact us for a trial session today!
–Written by Cassie Bringhurst, SCMT, MT-BC
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