Music is now a new method that is being used for autistic patients. If other methods have been tried in the past and there is not much response, instead of being discouraged, you would do well to try music as a method to treat the autistic patient. Many patients have been successfully treated as they have responded favorably to music – it has soothed their nerves and calmed them down. The main problem with autism is the lack of communication and difficulty in mingling socially. So, it is worth trying this new method of using music to get the patient to respond.

The main idea is to instill learning techniques, and there is no better way than using music to achieve this. The patient is not frightened of music and the brain responds in a positive manner. Also games can be played with music and an interaction with others can be achieved. In fact, musical instruments and singing can bring everyone together in a joyous mood and thus overcome a social milestone.

Music As Speech And Social Development Therapy

Musical therapy is a great way to help both younger and older autistic patients. It helps them in developing their speech, as music has a direct impact on the functions of the brain – both verbal and non-verbal. Part of the disorder of autistic patients is the inability to speak coherently. Different sounds emerge like grunting or sounds and cries and inaudible words that don’t make sense. There is no emotion in the attempt to communicate and it sounds monotonous. Therefore, music which could include humming or clapping, can ignite the patient and make him respond.

Autistic patients usually like music and respond favorably to it. It does not frighten them, but, on the other hand, provides a soothing effect. Some of them have a good pitch, and there are others who have an aptitude for musical instruments and if trained, can play well. Although they may not compare to regular standards, it is a known fact that their musical abilities surpass their other skills.

Music thus has a favorable effect on autistic patients – it helps with their speech and with their interaction with other individuals, thus developing communication and behavior, and most of all, it does wonders for their memory. All these different techniques when used by professionals in the field, can help autistic patients to a great degree, so if you have tried other options and have not been able to get the desired response, music is the way to go as a new and soothing method to treat an autistic patient.

Individuals want to know the latest thing in everything.  If they are updated in the things that they like or are concerned with, they can easily relay the message to others.  In addition, they too can get the information that they need by the social networking websites.  People can update their status anytime they want and can write about anything under the sun.  This is also the very reason why people start to create their own country music blog.

For individuals who love listening to country music, they usually have their own country music blog.  For the musically inclined, they lean on this blog because they can learn more about music.  Even though everyone has his or her own taste in music, it still helps to have some knowledge about the other genre.  As they say, it is better to know a little bit of everything rather than being very versed in one thing.  More so, music has plenty of types.  You may also want to listen to the others just for variation.

Another reason why people start their own country music blog is to show their support to their favorite country singers.  It does make sense does not it?  You would not write about something or someone, for that matter, if you have no interest on it.  Individuals who just started listening to country songs would surely learn a lot from your blog especially if it talks about the singers and their songs.  As a music enthusiast, they too will be able to refer your website to their friends who are also listening to the same kind of music.

Lastly, individuals search for credible country music blogs because they want to be updated.  When they do not know the latest in the music world, they feel that they are outdated.  If your friends talk about the latest single of your favorite country singer and you just cannot follow, they might look down on you.  Times that, you too have to exert some effort if you are a true supporter of a particular country singer.  Searching for other singers is another thing you can do to expand your love for music.  There is nothing wrong if you just like listening to country songs.  As long as you are happy, that is all that matters.

Long before we were aware of the scientific and technical attributes of ‘music’ the effects of various forms of music have been known and utilised from early in mans history.

From the well documented use of Military Music to inspire or create fear in major battles and skirmishes throughout our troubled past, to the much more pleasing accounts of Greek physicians arranging to take their patients out of Hospital to attend musical concerts in the local amphitheatre in the knowledge that music would aid recovery.

Centuries before that we have the Biblical reference to David (later to be King David) attempting, (in this instance, unsuccessfully!) to soothe the then King Saul with his Harp playing. Down through the ages instrumental and vocal refrains have permeated and in some instances, dominated forms of religious devotions, from the tribal drum through to the Oriental Gong and Bell and Gregorian Chants to the massed Cathedral Choirs that characterise many State, Religious, or Public occasions.

In comparatively recent times there is a growing field of study into just what effects music has on the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the human race. Some of this is driven by the fact that Music in all its forms is available by some means or other to a great percentage of the population continuously, indoors or out, whether static or on the move. We have progressed (?) from the family singalong to the first home Radios and the Stereogram!). Surround or Theatre Sound, Portable Radios, Cassette Players, C D’s, Walkman Personal Players, Mini Discs, MP3, iPod, Mobile phones with integrated players – in fact progress is so fast in this field that it is hard to keep abreast of the improvements and minituarising of the systems available. But the question remains, just what impact does this continual bombardment of ‘noise’ have on us?

Apart from the ways music has been used in the past, today we see a trend towards recognition of the benefits that sypathetic use of music has in a therapeutic way. Allow me to illustrate in one particular area, i.e. the elderly and those affected by forms of ageing or dementia.

Some fifteen years ago a well respected musical arranger and professional pianist almost unwittingly embarked on a mission to apply his talents and musical knowledge to brightening the life of a very poorly relative who found it difficult to respond to the usual sympathetic visits. No matter how cheerful the visitor, or encouraging the conversation, the only times that a marked improvement was seen in the ‘patient’s well being or attitude was when music was introduced to the visits.

Recognising even back then the potential of using music specifically as a tool (or more appropriately, if you’ll pardon the pun, an instrument) to improve the spirit of a person, the intrepid musician started to investigate the concept in two ways. One, to discover for himself if there were elements of music which literally had an effect on the mind, brain or senses and could be utilised to bring health benefits to people, particularly those with problems associated with stages of dementia, learning difficulties and other conditions which obstructed efforts to raise their spirits. Secondly, if that theory were correct, whether it could be developed to the extent that ordinary people without profound musical or medical knowledge could act as ‘therapists’ in the broad sense and bring some brightness into the lives of those affected.

Accepting that although he was well qualified as a musician, he did not aspire to any great Medical, or Psychological letters after his name, he pursued a more practical approach by exploring how popular and readily obtainable music might be harnessed to help those same people.

He also pursued studying the results of the academic research into the Brain Wave ranges and their effects on the individual. The music he utilised was carefully chosen, re-recorded and balanced to provide the ultimate benefit from relatively short, attention holding pieces, assembled into hour long sessions. This was found, when linked to simple rhythmic movements to act as both a mental and physical stimulus.

Utilising a group of willing (and grateful) local Care Homes, contemporary music styles were introduced by the researcher and his wife, who added her knowledge of movement and choreography to encourage clients as a group to exercise, vocalise, reminisce, and relax in turn. Individuals were advised to participate purely within their capabilities and not to overstretch their comfort zone.

The results were very marked, as attested to by residents and Care Managers alike. Over a fairly short period of time, improvement was noticed. With spirits raised and circulation improved, social bonding increased as did appetites!

Music, what a wonderful aid to health and well being, plus you don’t need a prescription – and cost can be minimal or zero!

by Catherine Mabe

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”

–Victor Hugo

Even with all the varieties of music out there, most people, at some point in their lives have used music as therapy according to Disaboom, the largest online community for people with disabilities. Whether it’s unwinding to a classical composition or blowing off steam to the beat of a heavy metal song, music can alleviate stress and relive memories. This comes as no surprise as research shows that music has a profound effect on the body and mind.

People respond to music differently than to traditional therapy feeding the growing field of music therapy. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is formally defined as a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Music therapy can include movement, musical improvisation, song writing, singing, discussing lyrics, dancing, or simply listening to music. For instance, Music Therapists can help clients who have a hard time talking about or writing out their feelings by composing songs; clients with physical disabilities may use music therapy to learn to play an instrument for the purpose of improving fine motor skills.

These elements are used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of people of all ages living with issues including:

• Brain injury

• HIV/AIDS

• Autism and other developmental disabilities

• Emotional trauma

• Hearing impairments

• Mental health issues

• Terminal illness or pain

• Physical disabilities

• Speech and language impairments

• Substance abuse problems

• Abuse

• Visual impairments

What are the effects of music on the mind and body that make this form of therapy so effective? Brainwaves can resonate with music that has a strong beat. Faster beats translate into sharper concentration and more alert thinking while slower tempos promote a calm, meditative state.

When brainwaves change, other areas of the body are affected. Music can alter breathing and heart rates, making them slower or faster and, consequently, helping to relieve issues like chronic stress, promote relaxation and improve overall health. Music has also proven to deliver other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure (which reduces the likelihood of stroke and other health issues), boosting immunity, and easing muscle tension.

Music therapy has truly become a viable tool for helping people get (and stay) healthy. Since its launch in 2007, Disaboom is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Providing comprehensive resources on health, living, and community; http://www.disaboom.com is a tool for living forward.