Music Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis

We all know how important music is to our mood and improving verbal behavior, and it’s no different for individuals diagnosed with Autism. Whether it is belting out your favorite tune while driving, or performing in front of others, music is a way of connecting with something bigger than yourself. As such, music therapy is an added, free service that we provide for the
children.

As part of developing verbal behavior, Texas Cares About Autism (TCA) invites a music therapist, weekly, to work with the children. Music and speech training events are creative, scientifically efficacious approaches to improving verbal behavior. It incorporates echoic production (verbally repeating what another says) and tact production (labeling items in the environment). Depending on the goal, musical instruments are displayed one at a time for labeling or two options are provided, and the client is encouraged to select one of them. Music
therapists.

​Additionally, research shows that music activates multiple areas of the brain, increasing communication between them and forming neuronal pathways that is essential for healthy development. Additionally, lost speech functions can be recovered, in some cases. Music therapy helps release endorphins which reduces anxiety, which young children may feel before decompensating.​

Children who tend to be uninterested or have a limited attention span tend to get very interested with music! On days that the music therapist is not there, our clinic director, Daniel, plays the guitar during circle time. Together, with other innovative approaches such as yoga, TCA is consistently striving to reach your child and provide them every available opportunity for growth.