Georgia PBS Interventions - Florida's Positive Behavior Support ...

Music TherapyMany people with diagnoses on the autism spectrum have natural musical talents; therefore, musictherapy provides an opportunity for successful experiences. Music is processed in both hemispheres ofthe brain; therefore music can inspire cognitive functioning and may be used for remediation of somespeech/language skills.Musical elements and structures offer a sense of security and familiarity in the music therapy setting,encouraging students to attempt new tasks within this predictable but compliant framework.Music offers concrete, multi-sensory stimulation (auditory, visual, and tactile). The rhythmic factor ofmusic is very organizing for the sensory systems of individuals diagnosed with autism. As a result,auditory processing and other sensory-motor, perceptual/motor, gross and fine motor skills can beimproved through music therapy.Easter EggsFill plastic Easter Eggs with about 1 T. of rice. Superglue the edges shut and they become easy to gripmaracas.ScarvesFilmy scarves can be used to wave to the beat of the music.PostersPoster boards can become giant song boards using Velcro and Boardmaker pictures for repetitive songslike: The Farmer In The Dell (changing pictures for who chooses what) Jack and Jill went up the hill tofetch a pail of (water, Kool-Aid, ice tea, milk, etc.) Mary had a little (lamb, dog, goat, cow etc.)(The students can have matching song books at their desks so they can follow along)Music to Teach:Our good friend Jay Turnbull uses music to learn how to handle many situations. For example, he lovesto watch mouthwash swirl down the sink and empty into the drain. Since mouthwash is not cheapentertainment; his music therapist made up a song about the mouthwash. To the tune of “Let it Be” bythe Beatles, Jay has learned to sing “When I see mouthwash, let it be, let it be, oh let it be, let it be.When I see mouthwash I let it be, let it be.” This song helps Jay remember not to pour it down thedrain. He has other songs for things like crossing the street etc.Many of these songs can be found in books like Piggy Back SongsThese books are available at Amazon.ComPositive Interventions and Effective Strategies Riffel -© 2005 - 76 -