By: Stephanie H. Morris, MM, MT-BC, NMT This article comes from the second journal produced by the American Music Therapy Association. Music Therapy Perspectives is the “clinical” journal for the practicing music therapist. According to their website, this journal is “Designed to appeal to a wide readership, both inside and outside the profession of music therapy” (www.musictherapy.org). Dr. Thompson has many years of experience with young children diagnosed with autism. Her focus of this article is to highlight the concept of “family-centered practice” which has proved to be very effective, especially in early intervention situations when a child has been diagnosed with special needs. The therapist helps the family with…
By: Stephanie H. Morris, MM, MT-BC, NMT Once again, we find ourselves looking for research that supports the effectiveness of music therapy with individuals on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This article examines specifically at how music therapy can make a difference in social skills training. Dr. LaGasse, a well-known researcher in the field of music therapy and autism, was able to complete this research funded by the Flagler Flutz Research Fund sponsored by the American Music Therapy Association. Located at Colorado State University, Dr. LaGasse used research assistants, other music therapists, teachers, and of course, the children and parents to assist her in completing this study. Without the cooperation…