Learning to play a musical instrument improves motor skills and self-expression for children with autism
Learning to play a musical instrument improves motor skills and self-expression for children with autism
Learning a musical instrument improves children’s memory and focus, and reduces their stress and anxiety. It helps children with autism develop their motor skills, and awareness of their emotional and bodily needs.
Beatriz Ilari, associate professor of music teaching and learning at the University of Southern California, was involved in the study, which followed children aged six and seven who had just started to learn music.
We were able to identify that he had an impeccable memory, and music had a very calming influence on him Yau Wang, founder of Hong Kong's Do Re Mi Music Therapy Centre, of a boy with autism She says recent studies by US occupational therapist Kelly Mahler indicate that some individuals with autism, trauma, and depression may have poorly functioning interoceptive skills.
As children enter their teens, many learn to manage their moods with music.
The fact is, long before children take any formal music lessons, they're already musically involved on some level - from listening to music at home or at school.
Children with autism can also be introduced to music from a very young age, says Wang, who describes how that might start.
Music offers the chance for a real sense of achievement, whether in learning a musical piece or sitting music exams.
Listening to music or learning to play an instrument presents many opportunities for children, formal and informal.
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