According to Brynjulf Stige author of the article "Aesthetic practices in music therapy" printed in the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy 1998,
Music therapy is a specialized use of music to improve and maintain functioning in the social, cognitive, sensory and communiactive areas.
Stige(1998) summarizes values of music therapy:
-Music is a social thing.
-Music is closely related to everyday experiences.
-Spontaneous elements are given high value
-Personal expression is more important than technical
proficiency.
Music therapy helps individuals with learning disabilities and ADHD relieve anxiety, focus attention and develop strengths
In Art therapy, writes Robert Miller, for the Dallas Morning News 4/4/99,
Children can paint within and express feelings often associated with learning disabilities and ADHD.
Art develops visual-motor skills and has been found to be benificial to children with learning disabilities, behavioral and emotional problems.
Click here for the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy website
Here are some websites for music therapy and art therapy for young children with special needs. Tim and I are currently using music therapy in the home for our son Michael.
www.musictherapyconnections.com
provides parents of special needs children with information about music therapy and gives practical ideas on ways to use music at home.
www.musictherapy.org
Provides information for parents on"what is Music therapy?" Also gives information on case studies and the benefits of music therapy in young children.
http://anata.synflux.com.au/pg2.html
What is Art therapy? How does Art therapy work?
Sandra
Moderator of Children with Special Needs
A preemie's pooh to Michael 12-01-99
Visit Michael's webpage!
www.babiesonline.com/babies/t/tigerpup