As a parent of a neurodivergent kid, you’re always on the lookout for different ways to support their growth and development. Enter the world of music therapy, a powerful tool that can make a big difference for kids with thinking and learning differences. In this blog post, we’ll explore five types of music therapy that can help your child thrive, develop new skills, and express themselves in a safe and nurturing environment.
Table of Contents
1. Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)
If you’re exploring types of music therapy to support your child on their journey, Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) could be a fantastic option. Backed by solid research, NMT hones in on the way music impacts the brain and nervous system, making it especially valuable for kids with thinking and learning differences. The beauty of NMT lies in its ability to give a much-needed boost to cognitive, motor, and speech functions.
Here’s a quick rundown of key benefits that make NMT stand out among the various types of music therapy:
- Enhanced attention and focus
- Improved memory and learning
- Increased coordination and motor skills
- Boosted communication and social skills
Why not give NMT a try? It might just be the perfect solution for your child, helping them unlock their full potential and thrive in their unique way.
2. Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)
Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a unique approach that combines music with visualization techniques to help children explore their emotions and experiences. GIM can be particularly helpful for neurodivergent kids who may struggle with self-expression or emotional regulation.
Some advantages of GIM are:
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Increased self-awareness and emotional expression
- Enhanced creativity and imagination
- Improved coping skills and resilience
3. Improvisational Music Therapy
In Improvisational Music Therapy, children are encouraged to create their own music using various instruments, their voices, or even body movements. This approach fosters a sense of freedom and self-expression, allowing kids with thinking and learning differences to explore their creativity and emotions in a non-judgmental environment.
Benefits of Improvisational Music Therapy include:
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
- Improved social skills and interaction
- Enhanced emotional expression and regulation
- Strengthened creativity and problem-solving abilities
4. Developmental Music Therapy
Developmental Music Therapy focuses on using music to support the overall development of children, particularly those with developmental delays or disabilities. This approach incorporates various musical activities, such as singing, playing instruments, and movement, to target specific developmental goals.
Key advantages of Developmental Music Therapy are:
- Improved cognitive and motor skills
- Enhanced communication and social abilities
- Increased emotional expression and self-regulation
- Boosted self-confidence and independence
Read More: Types of Developmental Delays in Babies
5. Music-Assisted Relaxation
Music-Assisted Relaxation is a technique that uses calming music to help children relax and reduce stress. This approach can be especially beneficial for neurodivergent kids who may experience heightened anxiety or sensory sensitivities.
Some benefits of Music-Assisted Relaxation include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved focus and concentration
- Enhanced emotional regulation and self-awareness
- Increased overall well-being and quality of life
Goally | Apps To Support Child Development
Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Embrace the Power of Music Therapy for Your Child’s Growth
In the end, the world of music therapy offers a diverse range of approaches to support the unique needs of neurodivergent kids. From enhancing cognitive skills to fostering emotional expression, these five types of music therapy can make a significant impact on your child’s development and well-being. As a caregiver or parent, it’s essential to explore these options and find the correct fit for your child’s specific needs. So, go ahead and strike a chord with music therapy and witness the transformative power it can bring to your child’s life.
FAQs About Types of Music Therapy
What is music therapy? Music therapy is a form of therapy that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. What are the benefits of music therapy for children? Music therapy can improve communication skills, enhance emotional regulation, promote social interaction, and support cognitive development in children. How does music therapy work? Music therapy works by engaging individuals in musical activities that stimulate various parts of the brain, promoting relaxation, expression, and positive changes in behavior. What are some common techniques used in music therapy? Common techniques in music therapy include playing instruments, singing, songwriting, rhythmic activities, and guided listening experiences. Is music therapy suitable for children with special needs? Yes, music therapy is often used to support children with special needs as it can help improve their motor skills, communication, socialization, and overall well-being.
This post was originally published on 05/01/23. It was updated on 06/12/23.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
