Category Archives: Developmental Populations

Lullaby for Pain Management in the NICU

By Kimberly Woodman

There has been a substantial amount of research conducted within the last 20 years relating to the use of music within the NICU context, both by music therapists and other medical professionals. Researchers have shown that music may be beneficial for decreasing stress symptoms, crying, and the length of NICU stays. Furthermore, music may be used to increase vital signs, coordinate sucking and feeding behaviors, and weight gain. These outcomes indicate that music therapy may be an incredibly beneficial intervention for premature infants. Continue reading →

MTRB #23 – Petra Kern and Daniel Tague

Dr. Petra Kern, owner of Music Therapy Consulting, is adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Louisville and Editor-in-Chief of the online magazine imagine. She is a former WFMT President, currently serves on CBMT’s Board of Directors, and is a recipient of AMTA’s Research/Publications award.

Dr. Daniel Tague is Assistant Professor and Chair of Music Therapy at Southern Methodist University. With experience as a teacher, clinician, blogger and researcher, he currently serves as Chair of the Clinical Practice Commission of the WFMT.

Link: Their international survey is published in the Journal of Music Therapy

Link for Dr. Kern: www.musictherapy.biz

The Motor System May Impact Speech in Autism

The idea that persons on the autism spectrum have motor differences is not a new one; however, ideas around how motor movement in persons with ASD can impact other skills have just recently gained more press. Researchers published a recent article reviewing research on motor differences and suggesting that these impact speech and communication abilities.  Continue reading →