Special Needs Children

Children With Special Needs

Music can be a motivating and fun way to teach all children, particularly children who have special learning needs. Music Together has a long history of inclusion, and children with special needs continue to be welcome in any of our classes. Since our classes have children of mixed ages, each child, no matter where they are developmentally, can participate in our classes and feel great about themselves in the process!

Here are some of the areas in which Music Together can assist children with special needs:

Cognitive/Academic

Think back to one of the first ways you used music to memorize information…. most likely the ABC Song. Using a simple tune, you were able to remember 26 different letters in order! This demonstrates how songs work as a mnemonic device to aid in memory and learning by organizing information into smaller chunks, making it easier to encode and retain. Other examples of musical mnemonics include learning the days of the week, a telephone number, or the states and capitals through song melodies or chants.

Another benefit of music in teaching new concepts is linked to motivation. A child who is interested and attentive when learning a new skill is much more likely to retain the information over time. In this way, music sparks children’s interest in learning, and creates an optimal environment for long-term skill retention.

Communication/Social Interaction

Because singing and speech share many similarities, yet are accessed differently by the brain, music strategies can be used as a means to improve functional communication. Songs of varying lengths can increase the duration of a child’s speech, while rhythm can be used as a timing cue to aid in speech pacing and intelligibility. Singing and wind instruments including whistles, recorders, and horns are also a fun way to increase breath support and oral motor strength. In the social environment, music activities are ideal for children who need more exposure or practice with peers in a motivating setting. Interactive strategies including music instruments and song games can promote social skills such as turn-taking, following directions in a group, eye contact, and cooperative play.

Motor Abilities

Research is highly conclusive in supporting rhythm as an external timekeeper for movement. Basic skill areas such as bilateral integration, crossing midline, visual-motor integration, or imitating movement can be targeted with rhythmic music or musical instruments. Recorded music is also an effective method to promote relaxation or provide auditory feedback to improve head posturing and decrease muscle tension.

For children who can participate with peers in a mainstreamed environment, Therapists often recommend the Music Together Program for children with special needs as a great way to augment their therapy regimens.

For children and adolescents who would benefit from a more individualized or therapeutic approach, music therapy or adapted music lessons are services offered by music therapists. To find a music therapist in your area, contact the American Music Therapy Association

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