Joyful Music Mind and Motion is a strengths-based philosophy
and curriculum that focuses on developing self-confidence and social
competence. We teach our students emotional regulation and social communication
strategies through music, dance and art activities.
The Occupational Therapist and Music Therapist work together with each student in
a co-treatment setting followed by a group treatment setting.
Why are OT and MT treating together?
Music lends itself to immediate outcomes and provides a high
sense of achievement. The Music Therapist is using instruments and music to
engage the child and help him to achieve the strengths-based goals that have
been set. It is found that the most effective therapy is achieved while engaged
in meaningful and purposeful activities. Music, dance and art are exciting and
engaging for most children.
The Occupational Therapist is supporting the student’s
participation in individual and group classes through sensory and motor
activities. The OT often models the musical behavior, i.e. strumming the
guitar, banging the drum, dancing and even facilitating mouth movements to sing
the words. The OT also provides heavy work (rolling, crashing, bouncing,
dancing) and sensory play (swinging, spinning and dancing) to facilitate the child’s
maintenance of emotional regulation for optimal learning
With the Joyful Music, Mind and Motion curriculum, the child
moves through a continuum of co-treatment sessions and group therapy to teach
the students social communication and emotional regulation through music.
Is there research to support your philosophy?
Studies have shown that music has a powerful effect on
learning, mental, emotional and physical development in typically developing
children as well as children with Autism and special needs
Title:Music and the Brain.Authors:Weinberger, Norman M.Source:Scientific American; Nov2004,
Vol. 291 Issue 5, p88-95, 8p, 4 graphs, 6 color, 1 bwDocument Type:ArticleSubject
Terms:MUSIC -- Physiological effect
Title:Music therapy in the assessment
and treatment of autistic spectrum disorder: clinical application and research
evidence.Authors:Wigram, T.1 tony@hum.aau.dk
Gold, C.2Source:Child: Care, Health &
Development; Sep2006, Vol. 32 Issue 5, p535-542, 8pDocument Type:ArticleSubject
Terms:*AUTISM
Title:Role of Music Therapy in Social
Skills Development in Children with Moderate Intellectual Disability.Authors:Duffy, Barbara
Fuller, RaySource:Journal of Applied
Research in Intellectual Disabilities; 2000, Vol. 13 Issue 2, p77-89, 13p, 5
charts, 1 graphDocument Type:ArticleSubject Terms:MUSIC therapy