Video Blog

This video interview gives a parent's perspective on how music therapy has affected the life of her daughter with special needs

To read a transcription of this music therapy video post, please click here.

This music therapy video with a child with special needs illustrates the following:

• The motivational power of music can be used to help a child with special needs learn and use communication skills such as the PECS system http://www.pecs.com/
• Home made instruments can be made and adapted to address specific therapeutic goals such as bilateral coordination and using arms while in a neutral position
• I include a bonus chapter on my DVD that demonstrates how to make three home made instruments and use them in fun and therapeutic ways with children with special needs https://www.therhythmtree.com/store
• Using a slap clap pattern while engaging a child in music can energize the music and lead to more of a connection with that child
• Following your client's or child's lead while making music can help him or her stay engaged and motivated
• Please share this with others and leave your comments

To read a transcription of this music therapy video, please click here.

This music therapy video with a child with special needs illustrates the following:

• Using hand puppets can take the pressure off a child who is struggling with a therapeutic goal
• When possible, have the child teach the puppet the correct answer
• Music allows lots of repetition without the monotony
• Nice set of small animal hand puppets http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002AK5EUY/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_SC_dp_1
• Nice set of animal finger puppets  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E3B9J8/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_SC_dp_2
• For high quality hand puppets search for Melissa and Doug Hand Puppets
• For a cheap set of hand puppets try http://www.orientaltrading.com/plush-happy-kids-hand-puppets-a2-58_1007.fltr

To read a transcription of this video, please click here.

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This music therapy video with a child with autism illustrates the following:

• Music is a powerful motivator that can be used to help children with special needs learn communication skills
• If you are using physical prompts with a child (i.e. hand over hand support), fade the prompts so that the child is independent and successful
• Apps on the iPad such as this Yes/No app (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/answers-yesno/id337470555?mt=8) can be excellent tools for a child to communicate wants and needs
• Teaching a child finger individuation and extension skills (i.e. pointing the index finger) is a foundational skill for using augmentative and alternative communication devices (i.e. Dynovox, Springboard, iPad)

To read a transcription of this music therapy and autism video, please click here