What to do when the patient is not attracted by sound? Prerequisites for music therapy with autistic children. (1st June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Collavoli, Giulio; Chericoni, Natasha
• Is Part Of: Nordic journal of music therapy. Volume 25(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2016-06-01
• Subjects: Music therapy practice -- autism -- children; Music therapy -- Scandinavia -- Periodicals; Music Therapy -- Periodicals; 615.85154
• DOI: 10.1080/08098131.2016.1179894
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0809-8131

Abstract

Abstract : Sometimes, bringing into the session proposals that have already been successful can help to engage with the new patient and establish a relationship. However, other times it may affect the therapist's behavior, leading him to be less careful to the unique characteristics of that child. How is it possible to catch minimal variations in the child's behavior or communicative signals that, at first sight, may appear barely perceptible? And even if the therapist were able to do this, what should he/she do if the patient does not respond to his/her musical proposal? What if the child is not attracted by the instruments or more generally by sound? In English, the word "to play" means both "to perform on a musical instrument" and "to engage in a game for enjoyment", denoting a strong connection between the two concepts. To what extent is the musical approach accompanied and supported by play in our therapy sessions? In our talk we will address these questions starting from our experience with autistic children, using a play-based approach and video-recording technology.