Autism and Music: Can Music Therapy Speak to Your Autistic Teen?

Music therapy is a growing treatment for autistic teens, but with so many different ways in which teens are affected by autism, it can make you wonder if it is really effective for everyone.

There is such a vast difference from individual to individual when it comes to an autistic teens – behavioral challenges, language development, social skills, and communication difficulties – it almost seems impossible that such a catch-all type of therapy could work. But, it does. Music can improve communication with autistic teens in ways that no other therapy can, and the many ways in which music therapy is utilized is quite interesting.

Why Music Therapy Works

Although using music for healing is not a new concept, using music therapy as means of healing has gained significant momentum in the past few decades. Now, music therapy is a specialized profession requiring extensive education and credentialing, and the results it achieves is backed by living, breathing proof. According to an article published by Elevations RTC, music therapy is not only “profoundly effective in attending to the cognitive, emotional, physical and social challenges of those being treated,” but it also gives autistic teens a means to achieve order and balance in their lives, while “supplying a vehicle for expression.” So, how does it work?

Music is used in many different ways as a therapeutic stimulus to achieve a number of non-musical goals. This may include listening to music to enhance mood and calm anxiety, singing the lyrics of a song as a form of speech therapy, dancing to music as a form of improving motor and sensory skills, or even learning to play an instrument so it may be used as an outlet for expression. Music therapy works by stimulating your child’s mind, body and soul, optimizing the body’s ability to learn and interact. As a result, regardless of how mild or severe a teen’s autism is, it produces amazing results. 

Communication With Autistic Teens: Can Music Really “Speak” to My Teen?

As far as communicating with autistic teens, there is always a gap in their ability to communicate, socialize, and break from repetitive behaviors. Music bridges this gap because although it provides the kind of structure and order in its chords and progressions that autistic teens relate to, it also allow freedom of expression in a safe and comfortable way. There are no boundaries with music, and it may be adapted to individual needs.

If you have an autistic teen and are ready to try therapeutic music therapy, consider Elevations RTC. They provide individualized care that is adapted to your teen’s personal needs, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve all they are capable of. There is no better place to help your autistic teen excel. 

Elevations RTC is a program that specializes in both therapy and excellent academics for teens. To find out more, call us at (855) 290-9681.