This edited book brings together renowned experts in music therapy and related fields to present current research, practical strategies, and policies useful for everyone interested in music as a tool to aid children on the autism spectrum. Case scenarios, examples and tip sheets further support the application of the knowledge-based content.

In Music and Autism: Speaking for Ourselves, renowned ethnomusicologist Michael Bakan engages in deep conversations-some spanning the course of years-with ten unique and fascinating individuals who share two basic things in common: an autism spectrum diagnosis and a life in which music is central. The result is a profound yet accessible exploration of how people make and experience music, and of why it matters to them that they do, one whose rich tapestry of words, images, and musical sounds speaks to both the extraordinary diversity of autistic experience and the common humanity we all share.

This book presents new ways for you and your child to connect. One of those ways is through music. For a child with autism, music and language may be processed in the same hemisphere of the brain, so a musical experience may help a child who has difficulty with language more easily access that language. My hope is that after reading this book, you will gain new insights and practical ways to approach wanting to help your child when it just feels hard. My hope is that one or more of these tools brings back the connection of joy motivation, and understanding that everyone needs in order to truly grow.

This book is a comprehensive practical guide for music eductors who work with students with autism. This second edition offers fully up-to-date information on diagnosis, advocacy, and a collegial team-approach, as well as communication, cognition, behavior, sensory, and socialization challenges. Many 'real-life' vignettes and classroom snapshots are included to transfer theory to practice.

Children with autism often have an intense natural musicality. This book explains how music and language 'work' as systems of communication, and why music holds such a fascination for many young people on the autism spectrum. There are strategies for showing how music can be used to support language development and even substitute for verbal communication. Exploring the progression from a young child's intuitive engagement with music, to using it as a scaffold for communication, socialisation and understanding, the book illustrates, through the use of detailed case studies, how music nurtures a sense of self and provides a positive outlet to express inner thoughts and feelings without resorting to challenging or even destructive behaviours. Presenting an innovative approach to the use of music with people on the autism spectrum, this book will be a fascinating resource for speech and language therapists, music therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, teaching assistants, educational psychologists, carers and parents of people with autism.

Many children with autism feel a natural connection with music, but don't always find it easy to participate in musical activities. Packed with tips, advice and activities, this book shows how music and rhythm can help with brain development and quality of life, and how to encourage a genuine enjoyment of music. Dr Berger draws on her many years of experience in music-based clinical work, teaching and coaching, to answer common questions regarding musical interactions for children with autism. From what instrument to choose, how to find the right teacher, how to get your child to practice music, and even taking children to public music events, this book has all the essential information for you to dip into as and when needed. With practical information to help you solve problems that may arise, such as sensory overload, let this book guide you and your child towards positive interactions with music, regardless of whether or not they have prior musical abilities.

First published in 2002. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The use of music therapy is long established with people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. The combination of using music and relationship work in person-centred approaches supports the three main areas of difficulty people with autism often experience; social interaction, communication and imagination. Current research supports the positive psychological benefits of music therapy when people with autism spectrum conditions engage with music therapy. This book celebrates the richness of music therapy approaches and brings together the voices of practitioners in the UK. With a strong focus on practice-based evidence it showcases clinicians, researchers and educators working in a variety of settings across the lifespan.

Speech and language impairments are one of the most challenging features of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Children with ASD are also known to be particularly responsive to music. This book makes a valuable connection between the two traits to showcase music as an effective way of enhancing the speech and language skills of children with ASD. This is a comprehensive guide to Dr. Hayoung Lim's highly effective approach of using music in speech-language training for children ASD. Part I provides a sound theoretical foundation and employs the most up-to-date research, including the author's own extensive study, to validate the use of music in speech and language training for children with ASD. Part II analyzes the clinical implications of “Developmental Speech- Language Training through Music” (DSLM) protocols and explains in detail specific interventions that can be used with the approach. The practical application of DSLM to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Verbal Behavior (VB) approaches is also explored. This is essential reading for music therapists, speech and language pathologists and other professionals working with children with autism, as well as researchers and academics in the field.

Describes music therapy techniques found to be effective with different types of autistic children. This second edition includes three new chapters by Auriel Warwick showing how mothers can be involved in the therapeutic process.