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Autism, Music, Mozart and more: Reiterated in Nova's 'Musical Minds'
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I was certainly excited earlier this evening to see the following posted on LinkedIn! "Nova will be airing the program Musical Minds' with Dr. Oliver Sacks, neurologist and acclaimed author, whose book Awakenings was made into a Oscar-nominated feature film starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, has encountered myriad patients who are struggling to cope with debilitating medical conditions. While their ailments vary, many have one thing in common: an appreciation for the therapeutic effects of music." Get a sneak preview of this program Here:
Autism, Music, Mozart and more
As a ‘piano person’, and former piano teacher, I have a deep respect and admiration for the impact that music can make in a person’s life. As a former teacher of young children, I stand amazed at how the pull of music and musical activities can take a faltering classroom environment from near chaos to fun filled group participation in nothing flat. As one who is interested in sensory processing disorders I am absolutely astounded by the research regarding music therapy in individualized therapy sessions and in the classroom setting.
True enough, music can elevate a mood and set the tone for any environment, and every type of music has a virtual ‘personality’ that one can identify with on a root level, but hard core pragmatic evidence suggests that music captures and helps maintain attention. It is highly motivating and engaging and may be used as a natural “reinforcer” for desired responses. Music therapy can stimulate clients to reduce negative and/or self-stimulatory responses and increase participation in more appropriate and socially acceptable ways.
Music therapy can enable those without language to communicate, participate and express themselves non-verbally. Very 
often music therapy also assists in the development of verbal communication, speech, and language skills. The interpersonal timing and reciprocity in shared play, turn taking, listening and responding to another person are facilitated through music therapy with and it allows individuals with the opportunity to develop appropriate expression of their emotions.
Because music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for the development of some speech/language skills. It also provides concrete, multi-sensory stimulation (auditory, visual, and tactile). The rhythmic component of music is very organizing for the sensory systems of individuals diagnosed with autism, and as a result, auditory processing and other sensory-motor, perceptual/motor, gross and fine motor skills can be enhanced through music therapy.
Musical elements and structures provide a sense of security and familiarity in the music therapy setting, encouraging children to attempt new tasks within this predictable, and yet pliable, structure.
Many are familiar with the famous ‘Mozart effect’, which has different camps of belief as to whether listening to specific classical pieces actually increases intelligence quotient or does so temporarily. Whichever side of this line of logic you stand on, I think we can all agree that music is an intense influencer of mood, emotion and receptivity.
My own classroom experiences tell me that to rouse a classroom of small children into enthusiastic undulation, all that is needed is a lively tune…add some fun or funny movements and hey....you’re there. To bring a class of stimulated youngsters to a more centered, cognizant, ready to ‘get down to work’ mode…some soft background music can help immensely (Bach is nice).
Songs and activities that have simple movements, especially those that encourage reaching in a diagonal fashion top to bottom, thereby crossing the midline of the body, are very helpful to all young children in the task of becoming centered and organizing their thoughts. I have never met a child that, with enough encouragement and acceptance, did not on some level thoroughly enjoy music/movement activities!
Stomping and clapping are aids to proprioceptive input. Marching is awesome and patty cake is great. Rhythm and timing are incredibly important. I have a good friend who is an adult on the autism spectrum. My friend is quite intelligent, engaging and very, very funny. Unfortunately he, at approximately 40 years of age, still has quite a bit of difficulty going from receptive to expressive language smoothly. However, when he sings something to me, there is no hesitation what so ever. Also when my friend either taps his foot or snaps his fingers to a certain rhythm, he is able to express his extremely complex thoughts. We have only just begun to research the influence that music, movement and rhythm have on the language centers of the brain.
Taking into account various studies and writings regarding music, the more complex music that is introduced at an early age (early meaning infancy), the better. Music is a magnificent tool that cannot be praised enough. Some wonderful complex styles may include the obvious classical pieces but also some jazz and other intricate music styles. What is the best music for an activity? That of course depends on the result you’re going for. The same way that bright or soft light, vivid or muted color, can help to frame an environment as stimulating or soothing, music is a profound influencer and an important tool in any learning environment.
Bottom line? I believe that music in the teaching, home, or therapeutic environment is worth the same reflection, if not more so, than any other aspect of a teaching or therapeutic curriculum.
Here is what I think is a really really FUN visual on this Bach organ piece. I'm probably one of the few who really gets into this particular one....but hey, that's okay.
Bach, Toccata and Fugue in D minor
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