The Relationship Between Music and Autism - Understanding the Benefits

Parents of autistic children can find searching out suitable treatment options can become a never-ending struggle. Indeed, the hardest part can often be figuring out which new treatments are the most effective, and which are merely speculative. With regards to music and autism, it is widely agreed that music is a great tool for treating autistic children, and can also help in the diagnostic phase.

As has been widely documented, children with autism have difficulty with their ability to communicate, learn successfully, interact in a social setting, and develop new skill sets. But music has been shown to help all of these problems, due mainly in the way which it is structured.

Basically, it is the repetition and different anticipated progressions that make music so effective at reaching autistic children. The children learn patience and tolerance from music, and can apply these lessons in social situations.

In addition to being a great tool for helping to teach and treat autistic children, music can help in the diagnosis of autism as well. For example, exposing a child to music can help determine the level and severity of the specific case. And, specific strengths and weaknesses of the child can also be identified through music.

As a separate benefit, some studies have shown that autistic children are much more eager to listen to music than other children in the same age group are. So while music can be a very valuable tool for teaching autistic children, it can also be a rewarding experience for the child, giving it dual purpose.

One possible reason for this is that studies have shown autistic children have a more refined ability to differentiate between pitch, therefore creating a more enjoyable and interactive experience for them when listening to music.

There are many ways in which to incorporate music and autism. A popular method is to have stories told while incorporating musical elements, thereby increasing an autistic child's interest and learning ability. Often times, these stores are specifically designed for autistic children, and come as part of a set or series. These can even be purchased based on age or learning-ability.

Basically, the ultimate goal of these music-themed lessons is to increase patience, improve the ability to learn, improve social interaction, and to increase memory. And while the benefits to utilizing musical therapy in treating autism are numerous and effective, perhaps the most important benefit is the enjoyment that an autistic child can get from listening to music

Essentially, music and autism are linked together, and have been proven so repeatedly. Whether this is because of autistic children's enhanced ability to discern pitch, or an interest in the complex yet repetitive structure of music, the increased response to music is an extremely important learning tool, and should be utilized by parents and teachers appropriately. Ultimately, this will be for the benefit of both parent and child.

Dealing with Autism in Public

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects roughly one out of 100 children. It is characterized by a lack of ability to function socially and in more severe cases, the process of communication.

Discovering that your child has autism can be a traumatic experience. Oftentimes, parents may believe there is something developmentally wrong with their child, but accepting that autism is the culprit can be difficult to say the least. Accepting that your child is autistic and getting him the help he needs is just the beginning. There are many other factors that go into parenting an autistic child.

At first, having an autistic child can be embarrassing for some parents. Autistic children do not have the same social skills as most of their peers. They are often prone to fits of anger and violence due to their inability to properly communicate. Oftentimes, these 'tantrums' occur in public.

There are many people that do not understand the first thing about autism. This means that they are more likely to make rude or insensitive comments about autistic people. People, on the whole, are an understanding bunch, although there are plenty of people who will make insensitive comments, ask inappropriate questions, and even stare at autistic children.

The first instinct for many parents may be to meet this insensitivity with anger. This is not the best approach. Consider that the person who makes an insensitive comment is ignorant to what autism is. They just don't know any better!

What you should do as a parent, is try to ignore the comments if possible. This may be easier said than done, but it falls upon you to be the voice of reason. In addition, you should always focus on providing a good example for your child. Remember, the well-being and safety of your child is paramount. Everything else is secondary.

If ignoring rudeness is impossible, you should approach confrontation with the aim to educate. If someone understands that your child is autistic they will be less likely to make any further comments.

In addition, it is a good idea to have a plan when you go out in public. Understand the types of situations that can upset your child and do your best to avoid these circumstances whenever possible. It is also a good idea to keep a journal of your child's behaviors and cross-reference them with locations. This will allow you to understand the triggers for bouts of violent or aggressive behavior.

To minimize disruptive behavior, think about the particular outing you have planned and what the worst case scenario would be and then plan for it. Take along a favorite toy or snack for placating your child, if they do 'act out' or make unusual movements/noises have some stock answers at the ready i.e 'Sam has autism and lots of people/noises/new environments upset him. His movements/noises helps him cope with stressful situations'. Try going out in small groups of friends or family who know your child and can help you cope with any public outbursts or comments from strangers.

Dealing with autism in public is not an easy task. There are many people out there who will make judgments, comments, and other rude gestures at your child. Parents of other 'normal' children may also make insensitive comments. This is a negative part of human nature – but it is impossible for you to change it. What you can do is to provide information about the disorder and offer insight that will help others understand. If this does not work do not initiate a confrontation, as that will probably only upset your child and probably attract further attention.

Rachel Evans writes a Free Autism Newsletter. You can join for free here please visit Free Autism Newsletter. For more information on the latest autism research and for information on autism pdd

Autism in Adults

Autism is a disorder that now affects one out of every 166 children born. It is a disorder that is permanent and negatively affects social development and thought processes. The transition into adulthood generally occurs at the age of fourteen, where preparation for adulthood starts. Now is a good time to consider job possibilities, if applicable, and what training will be needed to help an autistic child get ready for adulthood.

There are generally two types of autistics: high functioning and low functioning. Low functioning autistic adults need constant care. They generally live at home with their parents or in residential facilities where their needs can be constantly addressed. For most of these individuals, the world is a far away place that they cannot reach. Group homes and residential facilities are rare and highly expensive so many low functioning autistic adults are taken care of by their families.

On the other hand, high functioning autistic adults can be highly successful and lead relatively normal lives. They can work, support and care for themselves, and live on their own. This is not to say they do not face any problems. In fact, many high functioning autistic adults see their main problem as the way others perceive them. The ability of adults with autism to take care of themselves is often directly related to the need-based education they received as children. If properly taught social responses and accepted behaviors, autistic adults can function as contributing members of society. They can have families, careers, and social lives. However, the majority of even high-functioning autistic adults live at home or in residential facilities.

In terms of employment, autistic adults usually are best suited to jobs that address their particular strengths. According to research, autistic adults generally have limited short-term memory, but excellent long-term memory compared to most people. In addition, there are support groups and services that help autistic adults take care of themselves.

It is difficult to offer general advice for adults with autism because autism is a spectrum disorder. Some may need constant care, while others are brilliant and innovative thinkers. Each person with autism is profoundly different and requires different levels of help.

Organizations like the Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC) provide employment opportunities for autistic adults. In addition, they conduct various job training programs based on the areas of strength for that particular candidate.

The ability of an autistic adult to manage a job, home, and taking care of financial obligations comes from education, training, and the severity of their disorder. There are autistic adults that have college degrees and are extremely innovative and there are others that require fairly simple jobs in order to succeed. Paying bills, cooking, and other independent behaviors can sometimes be taught. Other times, special services may be required to help independent autistic adults stay independent.

If you ask some, autism is a difficult disorder to live with. Many people with autism face social nightmares on a daily basis. Being unable to adequately mediate responses and situations is not a choice – it is part of who they are. However, with the right amount of support and training, many autistic adults can function in society. Many autistic adults indicate that the reactions of other people to their "bizarre" behaviors is often troubling. It is important that mainstream society becomes familiar with autism, especially since the number of autistic children being born is climbing at an alarming rate. Just like people with other disabilities, autistic people require special understanding. They are different from the majority of people, but this difference does not mean they are worthless, nor that they should not be given chances to succeed.

By Rachel Evans. Join The Free Managing Autism Newsletter & Discover New Methods For Understanding And Treating Autism. Visit our resources to increase autism awareness and for more gather more information on adult autism

How To Improve The Behavior Of A Child With Autism

All children are blessings. The same is the case with those who bear a neurological disorder called autism. As such, just like any blessing, they too should be treasured and cared for. It is our responsibility to make them feel better by guiding them towards a normal and happy life.

As a neurological disorder, autism cannot be dealt with through psychiatric treatments, contrary to the former dominant beliefs of the early 20th century. However, there is still hope when it comes to modifying behavior through the provision of appropriate stimuli. This behavior modification process will take some tools such as autism toys and autism behavior checklists. Some autism behavior management treatments are also advised such as autism behavior cognitive therapy. When combined, these procedures and tools will surely result to an observable positive change in an autistic child's behavior and outlook in life.

Autism Behavior Checklist

The autism behavior checklist is the first stop to make. This will include certain aspects of behavior which need to be modified such as manners, attention span and a child's level of maturity. It is crucial to monitor the progress a child is making, or in some cases, failing to develop.

In order to make the checklist work, cognitive behavior therapy should be applied. This can happen with the help of special education centers which teach children with autism the right ways of life through thoroughly researched manners. Hand in hand with such professional help should be the parent's or guardian's devotion into reinforcing the lectures whenever the kid spends time with them.

Autism Toys

To reinforce the lessons and therapy, a child with autism should gain access to the best neurological toys. These are playthings which stimulate and enhance the brain's function, in order to make up for an autistic child's way of thinking. Mostly, these consist of easy to moderate puzzles and colored toys. The use of these toys will also train the children to lengthen their patience, a trait which most autistic kids lack.

There are also toys which produce sounds and visuals which easily catch a child's attention. The development of such toys is a clever move since children with autism often suffer from short attention span.

By utilizing all these tools, anyone will be able to treat a child with autism with utter warmth and care. As you can see, these methods are very easy and the tools aren't too expensive. As such, bringing light and joy to an autistic child's world is as easy as can be.

If you are experiencing troubles with your child regarding autism, just apply all that you have read in this article. Combine it with a lot of love and care and you'll see that bringing happiness to life's greatest blessings is as easy as one- two- three.