Month: November 2021

Music Therapy & Down Syndrome

Posted on by music_therapy

October was first designated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the 1980s and has been recognized every October since.
Trisomy-21 or “Down Syndrome” is a congenital disorder causing intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities. It’s also the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability in North America with a rate of about 1 in every 800 to 1000 live-births. Many with Down’s have impaired cognitive development often affecting hearing, vision and/or motor abilities. Others struggle with speech development, communication and other developmental delays.
Individuals with Down’s often work with a team of doctors ranging from occupational therapists to speech therapists and physical therapists. They also work with a variety of physicians and social workers, and increasingly, more and more Music Therapists!

There are many benefits of Music Therapy for Down’s Syndrome including:

  • The ability of Music Therapists to use music to motivate individuals when doing challenging or repetitive tasks.
  • Using rhythmic patterns as cues assists in motor skill development.
  • Music Therapists use singing and rhythm to help individuals with the pacing and articulation of their speech so it’s easier to understand.
  • Music is strategically used to help with memorization tasks.

Additionally, Music Therapy can help with things like:

  • Sensory awareness
  • Perception
  • Auditory attention
  • Discrimination

Music Therapists also help individuals develop social skills such as learning to take turns, and how to effectively process and express their thoughts and emotions.

The important thing to understand about Down’s is that every individual is affected differently, and because of this, there is no single, standard treatment, including in Music Therapy. It is my goal to be really present with each individual and work with what they CAN do instead of focusing on what they can’t do. These sessions of singing, chanting, instrument play, and music and movement brings such joy to both myself and my clients.

If you know someone with Down’s Syndrome who would benefit from what I’ve described above, please give me a call at (509) 979-4357. I would love to meet them!

Music Therapy & Williams Syndrome

Posted on by music_therapy

Williams Syndrome is an interesting developmental disorder. Genetic and present at birth, it affects many parts of the body including distinctive facial features, varying degrees of intellectual disability or learning problems, cardiovascular disease, and unique personality characteristics. Individuals may also show Hypercusis or a high sensitivity to sounds. While these may be seen as areas of weakness for individuals with this disorder, there are also great areas of strength these individuals show too!

 

For example, those with Williams Syndrome exhibit striking verbal ability, highly social personalities, and interestingly enough, a great affinity for music! Classical music playing on the radio may move an individual to tears, while the playing of upbeat music may energize and excite an individual, making them laugh and dance for joy! The ability to remember lyrics and a great sense of rhythm are also noted characteristics of those with Williams Syndrome. Some even argue that because of these enhanced musical abilities, many with this disorder have “perfect pitch” and might even be considered a “savant” as in the case of singer Gloria Lenhoff.

 

This makes Music Therapy a wonderful modality to assist individuals with Williams Syndrome to overcome areas of weakness. Below are some great benefits:

  • Facilitates increased engagement in learning, especially in areas such as math and other difficult concepts.
  • Aids in helping the child to remember important things.
  • Motivates the child to attempt and complete difficult tasks.
  • Assists in communicating things that are difficult to express.
  • Fosters social ease when confronted with new and uncomfortable social interactions.
  • Alleviates anxiety and stress which can lead to a higher quality of life. 

Of course, like other therapies, Music Therapy may affect individuals differently, so it’s important for the child to have an initial assessment with a Board-Certified Music Therapist to assess the efficacy of this particular therapy in relation to the child’s overall treatment plan. Please feel free to reach out to me at (509) 979-4357 if you or someone you know would benefit from Music Therapy!