Our first podcast – this introduces us and our goals in podcasting about research in music therapy, cognition, and perception. Please comment and send us your thoughts and ideas!
Effect of Vibroacoustic Music on Behaviors in ASD
Music emits vibrations and some practitioners use these vibrations as therapy. A new study investigated the effect of music vibrations on the challenging behaviors of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities. Continue reading
MT for Agitation in Older Adults with Dementia
As mentioned in recent Music Therapy Research Blog (MTRB) post, there has been an heightened focus on research for older adult populations, in part due to the impending increase in the number of older adults. In this MTRB mash-up we will take a look at current research in music therapy for agitation in older adults with dementia. Continue reading
Therapy Moment: Summer Treatment Camps!
Some of you may have noticed an absence in the stream of research reviews over the past week and a half. Although I don’t want to make this blog about me and what I’m doing, experiences from the past week.5 are driving me to do just that. Last week I was at Kris’ Camp and I’d like to tell you about the experience, since my 1st camp changed the way I practice music therapy. Continue reading
MT for Speech in Children with Speech Delay
Speech and language skills are crucial in development. A child’s communication abilities allow them to express their wants/need, develop relationships, and interact with their environment. A recent study looked at the effect of music therapy on the language skills of children with speech and language delay. Continue reading
Systematic Review Supports MT for Dementia
A recent research focus has been on degenerative disorders of older adulthood due to the impending growth of this population in the coming years. One area of interest is identifying cost-effective treatments that can help families and individuals cope with dementia. A new study identified three promising non-pharmaceutical treatments, one of which was music therapy. Continue reading
Music Listening in the ICU – Increase in Sedation
The experience of being in the ICU of a hospital could be extreemly stressful for the patient and family. Finding low-cost interventions that can reduce stress could be helpful in these situations. A recent study examined the effect of music listening on stress and anxiety levels in sedated patients who were on mechanical ventilation. Continue reading
Autism and Reward – Neurologically Speaking
Motivation is said to be greatest when driven by reward. When we feel a reward sensation we are more likely to repeat the behavior that lead to reward whether that be social interaction, earning money, response to food, learning, etc… There are known areas of the brain that are involved in reward responses and a recent study attempted to see what type of reward responses were present in children with autism when presented with social and monetary rewards. Continue reading
Music Therapy Promotes Social Responsiveness in Autism
Many music therapists who work with children with autism work on social skills. A lack of social skills is a defining characteristic of autism, displayed by a disinterest in other persons, avoidance of social interaction opportunities, and behaviors related to social avoidance. A new study suggests that social behaviors can be improved with music therapy. Continue reading
The Music “Experience” in Autism
As music therapists we use music as a tool for functional improvements in persons who have disabilities. We recognize that music has value outside of “music therapy treatment” in community, recreation, and worship. Most of us ask our clients about what music therapy listen to; but how often do we stop and ask our clients who have autism “why do you listen to music”? A recent research study did just that. Continue reading