Video Blog

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Please check out my award-winning DVD and Music Package on my store page. http://www.therhythmtree.com/store

To read an article that I wrote about the do's and don'ts of music and autism, please click here.

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

Please sign up for my newsletter full of great tips and ideas at http://www.therhythmtree.com/user-registration  

To find a Music Therapist in your area, go to http://bit.ly/ZoA4Lw

To learn more about the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) go to http://www.pecsusa.com/

This Music Therapy video with a child with Angelman syndrome illustrates the following:

• Using pictures of favorite songs and instruments can motivate a child with special needs to communicate
• PECS is a progressive system and can be very effective when done right
• Using musical instruments such as the cabassa can motivate a child to develop gross motor skills such as crossing mid-line
• Using dramatic pauses during musical activities is a great way to prompt a child to respond

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

Please sign up for my newsletter full of great tips and ideas at http://www.therhythmtree.com/user-registration

This Music Therapy video answers the questions "What is Music Therapy?" and "How do I Find a Music Therapist?"

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

It's Social Media Advocacy Month for Music Therapy!  Check out these great articles and resources below.

Here are links for "How to Find a Music Therapist?"

• Board Certified Music Therapist Search - http://www.cbmt.org/certificant_search
• American Music Therapy Association's Directory of Music Therapist - http://bit.ly/ZoA4Lw

Here is a great article about the unique qualifications of Music Therapists.  It is written by Judy Simpson, MT-BC, Director of Government Relations for the American Music Therapy Association. http://smwcmtc.blogspot.com/

Here is an insighjtful article about helping others understand what music therapy is. It is written by Dena Register, PhD, MT-BC Regulatory Affairs Advisor, Certification Board for Music Therapists http://amusictherapyblog.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/music-therapy-advocacy-2014/

Please sign up for my newsletter full of great tips and ideas!

For more information about my DVD and Music Package for children with special needs, please visit my store page http://www.therhythmtree.com/store

This Music Therapy video illustrates the following:

• Practicing "farewells" through song can be a fun and effective way to work on this skill
• Including "look and say good bye"  is a great way to incorporate eye contact into farewells
• Using big pauses will help your child know when it is their turn to say or wave good bye
• For non-verbal children, program a big mac switch or use another Alternative and Augmentative Communication Device (AAC device) to allow them to communicate "good bye."
• Using a slower, softer song before a transition can help a child relax into the change

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

Please sign up for my newsletter full of great tips and ideas!

This music therapy video illustrates the following:

• Creative, unstructured activities can lead to self-expression
• Following a child's lead and making them feel heard can help lessen any frustration they might be having, and can lead to teachable moments
• Some children require longer periods to process information and requests, so be sure to give them that time
• Adam's Camp (http://www.adamscamp.org) is an amazing therapy camp for children with autism and other special needs, and has locations in Winter Park, CO, Nantucket, MA and Girdwood, AK

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