This edited book brings together renowned experts in music therapy and related fields to present current research, practical strategies, and policies useful for everyone interested in music as a tool to aid children on the autism spectrum. Case scenarios, examples and tip sheets further support the application of the knowledge-based content.

This extended edition offers a comprehensive understanding of music therapy practice for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Drawing on recent research and rigorous scientific evidence, it spans topics such as effective interventions, diagnostic criteria, managing sensory processing issues, inclusion and advocacy.

Rich with case material, this groundbreaking volume provides a comprehensive overview of music therapy, from basic concepts to emerging clinical approaches. Experts review psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and developmental foundations and describe major techniques, including the Nordoff-Robbins model and the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. An expansive section on clinical applications examines music therapy with children and adults, as well as its recognized role in medical settings. Topics include autism spectrum disorder, school interventions, brain injury, and trauma. An authoritative resource for music therapists, the book also shows how music can be used by other mental health and medical professionals. The companion website features audio downloads illustrative of the Nordoff-Robbins model.

Music's ability to influence emotions and moods is universally acknowledged, and music therapists have long known that stimulating the brain through the auditory system is a key to obtaining remarkable responses. Music therapy is a particularly effective tool when working with children with autism spectrum conditions, because music communicates with these children on a level where mere words cannot go. Written in a way that is both informative for the professional and accessible for parents, this book furthers the already strong case for the use of music therapy as a resource to encourage behavioural changes for the better in children with autism spectrum conditions. Placing particular emphasis upon sensory integration, the author discusses contributing factors to the behaviour of people on the autism spectrum, and, through the use of case studies, presents the latest approaches in music therapy that are enabling children with autism spectrum conditions to better cope with sensory integration.

In Interactive Music Therapy - A Positive Approach, Amelia Oldfield explains how her approach to music therapy sessions establishes a constructive musical dialogue with children that emphasises positive experiences - these establish trust and allow feelings to be expressed through music. Describing the general benefits of this approach, the author also details its application for specific clinical groups including children with autistic spectrum disorders, relationship difficulties or physical disabilities. Individual chapters focus specifically on child development issues and in child and brief case studies throughout the text illustrate points of particular importance. This practical book will be of use to other clinicians and teachers working with children with a variety of needs, including children on the autism spectrum and children with learning disabilities. It is also of use to music therapy trainers, their students and academics whose interests include music therapy.

With close to 1 million children on the autism spectrum enrolled in U.S. schools, educators need effective interventions that promote young learners’ abilities and build cohesiveness in complex classroom groups. Drawing upon video recordings from 16 months in a public preschool classroom, this book depicts the emerging relationships and abilities that develop through musical play with children on the autism spectrum. Barnes explores connections among students, teachers, and a music therapist; broader questions about the needs of young children; and the benefits of incorporating music therapy in early childhood education and school-based autism services. In vivid narratives, readers follow individual preschoolers through their challenges and their steps toward shared attention, interpersonal interaction, and communication during music. This important book raises key issues about autism supports and therapies, and offers encouraging alternatives to prevailing educational and therapeutic methods. Features: Chronicles the first two-year research study inside a music therapy group for preschoolers on the spectrum in a U.S. public school.Provides lucid personal portrayals of young children, teachers, and a music therapist.Explores the challenges and encouraging possibilities of helping young children through music.Describes the use of picture schedules, augmentative and alternative communication devices, musical instruments, percussion rhythms, and visual and tactile materials in music sessions.Presents children’s engagement in vocal interplay, turn-taking, theme-and-variation exchanges, and reciprocal expressions of emotion in early childhood education.