The Conservatorium of Music and the Wellington Branch of Autism New Zealand successfully trialed a school holiday program of music experiences for children who have Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Health science lecturer Stuart McLaren, father of an autistic child, suggested the initiative after seeing the benefits of music therapy with his son.

“Music therapy, which builds on music as a non-verbal communication, has many benefits for children who have ASD. We are keen to offer this experience to other children and their parents,” says McLaren.

“While many of our children struggle with interpersonal skills and verbal communication, they often have a real connection with music. They might even have a special strength in music, and some have perfect pitch – so why not use such strengths to help them?”

Autism is a developmental disorder. “Traditional’ autism affects about four in 10,000 children, while the broader diagnosis of ASD is said to affect as many as one in 1,000. Autism is characterized by deficits in communication and social skills, and restricted or rigid interests. Many children with autism have a particular interest in music.

The University’s Music Therapy program is the only training course in New Zealand, and the first students will graduate this year. Although music therapy is rapidly becoming accepted as a mainstream approach to meeting the needs of children who have special education needs, there are only 12 registered music therapists in New Zealand, and they are in high demand.

The Master of Music Therapy course has a high emphasis on supervised practice – clinical observations, co-leading and eventual facilitation of sessions by students.

The directors anticipate the program leading to further collaboration between Autism New Zealand and the Conservatorium of Music, and to the development of clinical treatment programs for a range of clients.

Source: Medical Condition News