Case Scenario: Positive Experience with Music Therapy
Karen is a seven-year-old girl diagnosed with Rett’s Syndrome (autism spectrum). She has sensory issues, causing her to react to new situations with screaming in panic, arching and stiffening her body, and convulsively and violently banging her hand against her mouth. In general, she seems to be unaware of her surroundings, which has been heightened because her family recently moved to a new state. She was referred to an OT for home health treatment, where she received music therapy.
Music Therapy in OT
• Proprioception- Karen was able to bounce on a ball with therapist and swing to an audiotape of a quiet, chant-like repetitive melody.
• Sensory integration- Lights were off during therapy, while Karen was held firmly by therapist. Therapist began humming to the same sounds and pitch as music.
• Sensory integration- Lights were off during therapy, while Karen was held firmly by therapist. Therapist began humming to the same sounds and pitch as music.
Music Therapy Techniques Used At Home
• OT showed Karen’s parents how to use the music tape at home, humming along or singing about what they were doing, rather than talking.
• Parents feel like they can be an active part of therapy and play a part in helping their child reach their full potential.
• Parents feel like they can be an active part of therapy and play a part in helping their child reach their full potential.
Pros for Karen
• Gained ability to handle deep pressure and light touch
• Initiated new sounds and words
• Improved self esteem
• Improved social skills
• Expanded play skills- engagement with therapist
• Music therapy created comfortable environment and made Karen feel safe
• Affirm individuality through self expression
• Positive behavioral changes
• Initiated new sounds and words
• Improved self esteem
• Improved social skills
• Expanded play skills- engagement with therapist
• Music therapy created comfortable environment and made Karen feel safe
• Affirm individuality through self expression
• Positive behavioral changes
Cons for Karen
• Slow and gradual process
Case Scenario: Negative Experience with Music Therapy
Mandy is an eight-year-old girl diagnosed with Rett’s Syndrome (autism spectrum). She has anxiety and social-behavioral problems and has lost her ability to speak. She also has sensory issues, causing her to react to new situations with screaming in panic, and she exhibits the stereotypic hand movements of those with Rett's Syndrome, such as hand wringing, clapping, and hand patting. She was referred to an OT for home health treatment, where she received music therapy.
Music Therapy in OT
• Proprioception- Therapist attempted to bounce on ball with Mandy and swing to an audiotape of a quiet, chant-like repetitive melody.
• Sensory integration- Lights were off during therapy, while Mandy was held firmly by therapist. Therapist began humming to the same sounds and pitch as music.
• Sensory integration- Lights were off during therapy, while Mandy was held firmly by therapist. Therapist began humming to the same sounds and pitch as music.
Music Therapy Techniques Used at Home
• OT showed Mandy’s parents how to use the music tape at home, humming along or singing about what they were doing, rather than talking.
• Parents were unsuccessful at getting Mandy to participate or tolerate the music.
• Parents were unsuccessful at getting Mandy to participate or tolerate the music.
Pros for Mandy
• Trying music therapy did not cause any permanent or physical harm
Cons for Mandy
• Demonstrated greater anxiety when music was playing
• Exhibited increased hand wringing, clapping, and hand patting when music was playing
• Avoided or ignored new sounds and words
• Lowered self esteem
• Worsened social skills
• Decreased play skills- less engagement with therapist
• Music therapy created uncomfortable environment and made Mandy feel unsafe
• Negative behavioral changes
• Still could not handle deep pressure or light touch
• Exhibited increased hand wringing, clapping, and hand patting when music was playing
• Avoided or ignored new sounds and words
• Lowered self esteem
• Worsened social skills
• Decreased play skills- less engagement with therapist
• Music therapy created uncomfortable environment and made Mandy feel unsafe
• Negative behavioral changes
• Still could not handle deep pressure or light touch