Can music make a difference for Kids with Autism?

Children with autism exhibit a lack of interest, show a preference for objects, stereotyped mannerism, etc. Resistance to sudden change, (in routine, work or food), is expressed with tantrum or self-injury. They also have communication deficits like lack of verbal and non-verbal interactions and difficulty building friendships. Music therapy is a favorable way to treat people with autism irrespective of age or ability.
Music therapy for autism is one of the most beneficial interventions to help individuals with cognitive and emotional challenges. It helps to improve their ability to function, develop communication skills and also lower anxiety. People with autism are responsive to music. As they find it to be motivating and engaging. Music therapy also acts as a natural ‘reinforce’ to help them cope with sound sensitivities. 
After assessing the needs and goal of children, a music therapist develops a treatment strategy, with the required objectives, to provide suitable action. Music therapists work with individuals using a variety of music and techniques to hone their skills.
Encourage social interaction
Children with autism show signs of emotional and social engagement during music therapy sessions. A trained therapist uses music and songs to improve children’s social interaction skills. in the music session, the kids are allowed to pass and share instruments, gathering around a piano, and learn to listen and concentrate on various notes played.
Improve behaviour
It has been observed that music therapy sessions improve inattentive behavior in children with autism. There was also an improvement in behaviors like restlessness and aggression after music therapy sessions.
Improve communication
Children with autism having non-verbal disability show difficulty in following verbal commands. With music therapy for autism, the pairing of music with actions and repetitive singing have instigated the non-verbal kids to attempt verbal communication.

Music to reduce anxiety

Studies have proved that children who received music therapy showed a decline in their anxiety-related level.
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Music therapy is beneficial to not just children but to adults as well. The therapy sessions have crucial communication building exercise and relaxing playtime to motivate the participants. The therapists develop their needed skills by introducing singing, dancing, and playing sounds on instruments as well. They help in creating a safe learning environment for children to recuperate soon.
To contact a professional music therapist in your city click here.

Some of the Top pick Autism Related Books

The emerging market for books related to autism is penned by parents or authors exclusively for people with special needs who tend to be overlooked. Inspired by the literature many more authors, as of late, have lent their support in educating people about ways to handle manage and treat children with autism.

Some of the top picks of books related to autism topic is from memoirs that are easily understood by parents and caretakers of people on the spectrum. These books are available on Kindle, in Pdf or paperback version. If you need good books about autism, click on this link provided by Autism Connect here.

·     A PARENT'S GUIDE TO AUTISM

This is an extremely helpful educational guide that can encourage parents to indulge in occupational therapy activities at their own home.

This award-winning edition consists of ways to train a child with autism to control repetitive behaviours, toilet training, cope with sudden changes in routine, and much more. With simple explanations and easy exercises, this book is sure to make daily activities enjoyable and encourage the child to succeed with his/her everyday tasks.

Availability

eBook

For Kindle/Paperback/Free for eBook

English

 ·     A Parents Guide to Vision In Autistic Spectrum Disorders (2015)

By: Ian Jordan

The world of a child with autism is very different because they face difficulties with facial expressions, repetitive behaviour, etc. This is one of the best autism related books, a perfect guide for parents, where the author Ian Jordan provides a simple introduction to what seems to be a complex subject.

Availability

 Kindle/Paperback

Kindle/Paperback/ for eBook

English

 ·        A Positive Approach to Autism (2000)

By: Stella Waterhouse

This book, by Stella Waterhouse, provides a positive outlook on how people with autism can overcome their drawbacks such as tantrums and anxiety with various treatments. She debates the pros and cons of current treatments and also emphasizes on how a child with autism perceives the world. She also relates the causes of autistic condition, symptoms and behaviours such as hyperactivity, attention deficit, obsessive compulsive disorder and many other symptoms that surround a child with autism. This book is an interesting guide for both professionals and non-professionals.

Availability

Stella Waterhouse

Paperback

Kindle/Paperback

English

·     A Thorn in My Pocket (2004)

By: Eustacia Cutler

This is a true story of a mother who narrates her experience laced with emotion, happiness, struggles and disappointment in raising her daughter who was diagnosed with autism. The mother of Temple Grandin, the most famous person with autism today, tells about her struggle with her husband and medical authorities to keep her daughter from being sent to an institution. This is one of the most prominent books related to autism that project the journey of a mothering a child with autism to be full of trials, guilt, frustration, anger, goals and fear of the unknown.

It’s a known fact that most mothers of children with autism share similar experiences and feelings. The author Eustacia Cutler guides parents through her personal experience of raising a daughter with autism during a time when people were not fully aware of autism. Sheshares her doubts and searches for answers to her quest amidst a situation that offered her little support.

Availability

Kindle/Paperback

Kindle/Paperback

English

 The autism related books are written especially for children on the autism spectrum and their parents and caregivers and also for siblings and friends. Regardless of the specific audience, these books about the causes, signs, symptoms and various therapies for the disorder, provide a level of knowledge that can be achieved only through a good reading.

Medical Management for a Child with Autism

There are things that parents can do to help their child with Autism overcome the challenges which they face. It is important to give them the love and support they need to be the best parent.They can always make a decision as to what is best for their child, regarding medical management of autism, once they have sufficient information about the benefits involved.

There are a variety of therapies and medical approaches for autism treatment. Some autism therapies and medicines focus on reducing problematic behaviours in the child. They help in building communication and social skills and deal with sensory integration problems, motor skills, hyperactivity, sleep disturbance, etc.

It is extremely important for the parents to do a quick research, talk to experts regarding autism treatment. The goal of autism treatment is to treat a child’s array of symptoms and needs. For schools, medical management service, and therapists in your area, access the Autism Connect Directory here.

Children with autism, prescribed medicines such as Vitamins and mineral supplements,have shown improvement in symptoms such as hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, gut- related issues, aggression, etc. Medical intervention done under a registered medical practitioner is strongly recommended.

Medical management of autism, such as drugs, is provided to improve the symptoms of autism. Some medications are not approved for children below 18 years of age, therefore, parents should consult the FDA for complete information or consult a child’s doctor.

Some of the required medicine, approved by the medical management service,given to deal with the symptoms of autism are:

Stimulants

Drugs falling under stimulant medication group, like methylphenidate, amphetamine, and dextro-amphetamine, help to increase focus and decrease hyperactivity in children with autism. They are mostly prescribed for those with mild symptoms of autism.

Anti-anxiety medications

Treatment with these medications relieve anxiety and panic disorders that are associated with ASD.

Anticonvulsants or Anti-epileptics

Medical management of autism such as anti-epileptics medications treat seizures and its related disorders, such as epilepsy.  Sodium valproate is a commonly prescribed anti-epileptic to control core symptoms such as hyperactivity, affective instability, aggression, etc. Almost one-third of individuals with autism have symptoms of seizures.

Psychoactive or anti-psychotic medications

These medications reduce irritability in children with autism. Anti-psychotic drugs like risperidone and Aripiprazole decrease hyperactivity, reduce stereotyped behaviors, aggression, self-injury, minimize withdrawal and mood swing among people with autism.

Mood stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are prescribed to treat behavioural symptoms like aggression, self-injurious behaviours and impulsivity in people with autism. they are categorized as:

·         Antidepressants:Antidepressantsare prescribed to treatsymptoms like anxiety,depression, and obsessive.

·         Mood stabilizers: Drugs like lithium,valproic acid, topiramate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine are consumed to treat disorders like anxiety and depression. 

Anti-epileptics

·         Anti-epileptics are prescribed to control seizures. Sodium valproate is a commonly approved antiepileptic for autism.

To know more about medicines that can help a child with autism, click here.

Autism Connect is one of the leading family support organizations that offer useful information about medication, therapies and support to parents and caregivers.

Occupational Therapy is an Effective Intervention for Autism

Occupational therapy is a useful intervention that helps to develop, maintain or recover the lost activities and skills in a person with neurological disorders such as autism. This wellness rehabilitation is focused on the need and goal of individuals with autism and their families. Occupational therapists offer specialized assistance to people with special needs and help them lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

Occupational therapy interventions help children with autism to participate in school, regain their skills and cognitive ability. The services include:

·         An individualized evaluation to determine the goals of the person/family

·         A planned and customized intervention to improve the individual’s ability to perform his/her daily activities

·         To ensure that the goals are met  or to alter the current intervention plan for quick/ better result

Once the required evaluation is completed, the occupational therapists assist the child and his/her family with developing skills in various areas. Some of the most areas addressed in occupational therapy for autism are:

Social skills

Social skills like greeting others,maintaining eye contact when speaking, the ability to read signs and body language, understanding the flow of conversation, recognize the feeling of other, etc. are areas which a child with autism may find difficult to handle. An occupational therapist uses creative ways to help a child understand social norms and rules of social communication.

Emotion regulation

Emotion regulation skills help in managing emotions such as stress, anxiety, annoyance and frustration in a child with autism. Occupation therapy helps in identifying and involving appropriate strategies to manage intense emotions. An occupational therapist uses a variety of methods such as play activities, games, videos, etc.

Sensory integration

Children with autism, at times, have difficulty with sensory processing. This can lead to the child to react to loud sound, bright light, touch and movement.   Occupational therapists detect and treat sensory difficulties with activities using swings,dancing, music, trampoline, etc. 

Motor Skills

In children with autism,there are some delays in gross or fine motor skills or both.Occupational therapy for autism involves the assessment process to detect the areas that needs to be developed. The occupational therapists find techniques to help a child build muscles strength and limb co-ordination to help them move independently.

Overall, an occupational therapist can assist a child and his/her in recovering their lost skill in various areas. They are specifically trained to address the challenges in children with autism and provide treatment plans to improve the condition.

To know more about occupational therapy visit here.