Neurologic Music Therapy: Rhythmic Applications for Autism

In this session from the April 2010 Things to Know About Autism virtual conference, board-certified neurologic music therapist Peggy Schaefer explains what Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is and how its rhythm-based techniques can help people with autism. Trained at Colorado State University, she describes NMT as the therapeutic use of music to address non-musical goals in cognitive, sensory and motor function, reviews the research behind it, and explains the credentials therapists hold.

Peggy shows how rhythm can support movement, attention, speech and communication, and self-regulation, and shares examples from her work with children on the spectrum. She answers questions about psychomotor regulation, whether NMT is useful for high-functioning children, how therapists choose rhythms and music for different children, using music to help with body regulation such as waking and recognizing tiredness, and choosing instruments.