Autism And The Effects Of Art Therapy

Autism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized by a dyad of difficulties in a) communication and social interaction and b) restricted interests and imagination (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might find it challenging to understand what other people think or what the reasons for their behaviours are, as their ‘theory of mind’ may not be well developed (Schuwerk, Vuori & Sodian, 2015). It is possible that this is why they might behave in socially inappropriate ways, being unable to differentiate between different contexts, while they might also find it difficult to make friends. Moreover, it is likely that they are fond of routines, repetition and structure (Carnahan, Musti-Rao, & Bailey, 2009), as they might be nervous with unknown, new situations. In addition, some of them might not do eye contact with other people, whereas some others might not endure to be touched and might have a difficulty developing speech (Jordan, 2005). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might sometimes be prohibited to initiate conversations and might struggle with finding different ways to play and behave, due to the possible deficit of imagination, which in some cases might result in them having a narrow sphere of interests. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this group of people is rather heterogeneous, as characteristics of autism may differ from one individual to another (Gwynette, 2013). Another point is that people with Autism

In a setting with someone with autism spectrum disorder, music therapists make use of music as an educational tool to encourage learning. One of the purposes of music therapy for someone with autism is to provide the student with an initial assistance using melodious and rhythmic strategies, followed by fading of musical cues to assist in simplification and transfer to other learning environments. Music therapy has been proven to decrease symptoms of children with autism, and could even facilitate motivation and social interaction. Even autistic children, who rarely or never speak, can respond to music; sometimes they may even sing along. Music therapy provides a tool that can link the gap between a non-communicative child and one who can

Music therapy has been highly recommended as a treatment in facilitating communication. People with autism are crippled with significant

Music being a lifeline for individuals with all types of isolating emotional, physical, neurological and psychological conditions, has incredible effect to the autistic children. It enables the autistic children to interact and communicate to others and have improved learning

Leo Kanner (1943) believes autism is a result of emotional deprivation. He notes that parents of autistic children are intellectually and analytically oriented, but lack emotional warmth (Meyer, Chapman, & Weaver, 2009).Some psychodynamic theorist believe autistic children were born normal, but became autistic after experiencing painful interactions with hostile or cold parents (Hansell & Damour, 2008). The term autistic implies a failure to effectively relate to the environment. Autistic individuals are perceived as elusive and distant (Meyer, Chapman, & Weaver, 2009). Behavioral programs are most effective with autistic children and are used to teach them language, communication skills, self-care, and adaptation to the community (Hansell & Damour, 2008).

The modern practice of music therapy, however, didn’t become widespread until the 1940s, when hospitals employed musicians to aid in the treatment of veterans (“American Music”). Today, in the United States music therapy is defined as “the 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.” The goals of music therapy for children with autism generally include engaging the strengths of the child to ensure that they have the skills to be successful in

From 1997 to about 2007 the number of children with autism spectrum disorder has increase from 42,517 to about 258,305 and has risen since (Reschke-Hernández, 2011). With this rise of children who have autism, the rise of music therapy has since appeared greatly. When music therapy was first documented, the music was used in both group and individual settings. It was used with those who lacked social skills, those who needed rehabilitation, for self-expression, for psychological improvement and also recreational purposes (Rescheke- Hernández, 2011). Music therapist use techniques such as improvisation music therapy, dancing and singing, speech dynamics, and rhythm to help clients with social skills, body awareness and communication skills (Rescheke- Hernández, 2011). Children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be treated through music therapy to enhance their social skills, learning skills, and coordination.

Art ‘n Autism is a non-profit organization is Tuscaloosa, Alabama that focuses on children or adults with autism to help promote social skills and well as an interactive learning environment. While at Art ‘n Autism, has numerous classes and activities that the students rotate through during the week and each day. These activities include: art, music, yoga, social skills, play time, and snack. The kids are dropped off in the afternoon by their caregivers and spend three hours switching activities with children in their chronological and developmental ages.

Autism is a mental imbalance a provide Entitled, extremely introverted Disturbances of Affective Contact this fundamental state turned into the construct for all review with respect to what came to be known as Autism. It is a turmoil described by shortfalls in three noteworthy regions of conduct ¬ social, informative and the show of monotonous or limited practices. Autism records the fundamental components as "the nearness of extraordinarily irregular or hindered advancement in social association and correspondences and a uniquely limited collection of exercises and premiums. The social issues incorporate less eye contact, less consideration regarding social jolts and trouble in learning and utilizing the social abilities expected to work

Music Therapy Music is a cultural form of human communication and requires no verbal abilities. Music therapy is a well-established technique for using musical interaction to help individuals with a wide range of cognitive and emotional challenges to pick up their capability to function. Children on the Autism spectrum are commonly interested in music. They usually respond to music eventhough that is very mild. Since music is motivating and engaging, it may be used as a natural reinforcer for getting preferred responses.

“Mild autism can give you a genius like Einstein. If you have severe autism, you could remain nonverbal. You don 't want people to be on the severe end of the spectrum. But if you got rid of all the autism genetics, you wouldn 't have science or art. All you would have is a bunch of social 'yak yaks’, Temple Grandin. (Grandin, 2013) Born on August 29, 1947, Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a young child. As Temple grew, she began pursuing work in psychology as well as animal science. Temple Grandin, with being autistic, has become a leading advocate for autistic communities around the world. She has opened the eyes of so many individuals, as well as teaching one how to improve the life of an autistic child. It is important to be able to make a connection and work with an autistic child behaviorally, socially, and using sensory techniques. While not every autistic child enjoys creating different pieces of art, autistic children will benefit from art therapy in many different ways; it can assist with language, children may be able to express themselves in a nonverbal way, and most children like enjoy experimenting with art.

This article defines music therapy and how it makes an impact for individuals with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. It also explains the job of the therapist and how they work with their clients.

1 in 68 births in the United States will result in a child with autism. According to the Autism Society of America, it is reported as the fastest-growing disability, reaching epidemic proportions at a rate of 10-17 percent per year. Most parents recognize the signs and symptoms of autism anytime between birth and the first three years of their child’s life. Autism is classified as a neurological disorder and it affects the normal development of a child’s brain. Autism is not just one disorder, but a group of related disorders with a shared set of symptoms. All children on the autism spectrum have three major challenges; they are with social skills ab nd behavior, communication and cognition. Autism can be identified by a certain set of behaviors, but children can have any combination of the behaviors at any degree of severity. In fact, when it comes to their behaviors and abilities, no two kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are the same; each child has their own unique capabilities, symptoms, and challenges. There are many different treatments and medications used to remedy and lessen the symptoms of autism. They include different types of therapies and training, special diets, vitamin supplements, as well as, complementary and alternative medicines. Music therapy is the most effective treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder. Of all the therapies associated with autism, none achieve more positive results. No other type of treatment helps children to

Art therapy is based off of experiential family therapy which emerged from the humanistic approach of existential psychology. Gladding (2014) says that The foundation of experiential theory is that the individual within the family are unaware of their true emotions and if they are aware of them they suppress them. Experiential approaches incorporate family play into session which is good because it helps,

aspect of caring for or meeting the needs of those with behavioral disorders is providing