Music Therapy
MUSIC THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: AUTISM & DOWN SYNDROME (12 YEARS OLDER)
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Music therapy interventions focus on improving social, communicative, motor/sensory, emotional, and academic/cognitive functioning or musical skills. Music therapy services are based on the individual abilities of each client, taking note of the preferences, needs, values, beliefs and priorities of the family. Music therapists work collaboratively with clients and their families. The music therapy assessment process is designed to gain an understanding of the individual's current level of functioning while engaging in a variety of developmental and intentional musical experiences.
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The music therapy intervention plan is based on the results of the assessment. Integrates a variety of specific evidence-based strategies (eg, cues, reinforcement, imagery, schedule) and music therapy techniques (eg, singing/vocalization, instrument playing, movement/dance, music improvisation, composition of songs, listening to music, or computer-based music activities). These strategies and techniques help clients practice identified and specific skills. Music therapy sessions provide familiarity, consistency, structure, and predictability. Music therapists document client responses and perform ongoing assessment of progress toward achieving future intervention goals. These steps and suggestions can help the person with special needs and their family appreciate success while empowering clients to maximize their functioning in all aspects of their lives. For more information on the benefits and use of music therapy, access the following link https://www.musictherapy.org/research/factsheets?
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**Due to the nature of the online sessions involving technology, the parent or guardian is required to be present during the patient session to provide assistance (setting up the computer, providing assistance, troubleshooting etc.).***
Music Therapy for Autism and Down Syndrome is provided by:
MUSIC THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH MEMORY DISORDERS: DEMECIA (ALZHEIMER'S, VASCULAR DEMENTIA, DEMENTIA WITH L'EWY BODIES, FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA, DEMENTIA CAUSED BY INJURIES AND MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
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The music therapist completes an assessment to determine the client's needs that can be addressed through music therapy, as well as the strengths that can be activated during the process. They can use a variety of assessment tools and ask questions of the older adult and/or caregivers, when appropriate. Based on information collected from the client or from family members/carers, the music therapist is involved in treatment planning to design a plan of care that supports both long-term goals and short-term objectives.
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This would include goals that address anxiety, interaction, transitions, relaxation, physical activity, and other needs. Implementation of music therapy could include engaging in music creation, such as singing, songwriting, and improvisation to promote self-expression, or the use of music to ease the transition from the client's bedroom to the dining room for a meal. Clinical music therapy supports the client in adapting live music to her needs. Important in the music therapy process is the ongoing evaluation of the music therapy treatment and its effect on the client. Written documentation as well as appropriate verbal updates to caregivers (per HIPAA guidelines) can provide insight into the successful use of music to facilitate the desired change. Music therapists provide ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic process to better serve the client. Continuation or termination of services are based on a number of factors including customer preference and financing.
**Due to the nature of the online sessions involving technology, the caregiver is required to be present during the client session to provide assistance (setting up the computer, providing support, troubleshooting, etc.)**
For more information on the benefits and use of music therapy, access the following link https://www.musictherapy.org/research/factsheets/
Music Therapy for memory disorders is provided by:
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