Neurologic Music Therapy: Techniques and Benefits for Down Syndrome
We work with a wide variety of diagnosis, Down syndrome being one of the top populations seen at Musical Bridges. Individuals with this diagnosis can greatly benefit from the use of Neurologic Music Therapy as there are several cognitive aspects within their diagnosis.
Below we will detail some of the ways NMT can benefit individuals with Down syndrome and work towards their personal goals.
Down Syndrome and NMT
Language and communication development
Through the use of NMT techniques that fall under the speech category we are able to address fluency, articulation, language acquisition, prosody, speech patterns, and overall vocalizations. We utilize familiar music, improvisation, metronomes, and more to accomplish speech goals.
DSLM® - Developmental Speech and Language Training Through Music
This technique is one we utilize with a majority of our clients. We can address a variety of speech needs. Using developmentally appropriate songs, as well as familiar songs can assist in the procurement of language skills along with eliciting language use. This works with alternative communication including sign-language and AAC devices. This could be done through the use of an individual’s favorite song or created songs reflecting the language desired including specific phrases and speech sounds.
OMREX® - Oral Motor Respiratory Exercises
This technique is wonderful to use with clients who are working on articulation and breath support. We focus on enunciation of different vowels and sounds which supports speech clarity. The use of breathing exercises using wind instruments and similar activities creates strength in the speech apparatus as breath control is so important in speech production.
Motor skills enhancement
Playing musical instruments can aide in the development of motor skills, as well as the maintenance. We can utilize NMT sensorimotor techniques to target coordination, balance, motor planning, and specific movements needed for daily activities. This could include walking, climbing stairs, holding different utensils (i.e. cutlery and writing), endurance, and so much more.
TIMP® - Therapeutic Instrumental Performance
TIMP® uses musical instruments to imitate functional motor skills. This could look like stepping down on a handbell or drum to imitate walking or climbing stairs. As well we might use rhythm sticks to imitate holding a pencil and playing with a tripod grasp rather than a palmar grasp.
Social skills development
Music intervention can facilitate developing social communication skills, such as joint attention, imitation, and reciprocity, through interactive music-making experiences. The joint use of both speech and cognitive NMT techniques can assist in the development of these skills. Group music can as well encourage socializations, through turn-taking, collaboration, and interactions.
SYCOM® - Symbolic Communication Training Through Music
This is just one of the many techniques that can help with social skills. With this technique we work on the non-verbal aspects of socializing such as turn-taking for example, which reflects conversational skills. This could look like taking turns playing a drum which mimics taking turns during a conversation. This can also reflect different emotions and nonverbal cues one might need to address within a social situation. This technique helps establish the groundwork for communication with others.
Emotional regulation
Music invokes different emotional responses which lends itself to facilitating emotional expression and regulation. We can address emotional intelligence, responses to emotions, responding to others’ emotions, etc.
MPC® - Music Psychotherapy and Counseling
Utilizing this technique, we can address mood and affect through improvisation, composition, and music listening. This also plays into social interactions and regulation as well. We can explore emotions through this technique and address ways to cope with them.
Cognitive development
Cognitive function is such a large focus of NMT, with the most curated techniques falling under this category. Through these techniques we can work on sequencing, problem-solving, academic concepts, memory, and more.
MEFT® - Musical Executive Functioning Training
Through MEFT® we work on a vast array of executive functioning tasks that correlate to activities of daily living. We love to include musically adapted board games and other similar activities to encourage problem-solving, academic concepts, and memory. Another aspect we focus on is academic concepts that require executive functioning skills such as math and reading.
Self-expression and creativity
The arts have always been a hallmark of creativity and self-expression, and while NMT is research and data driven it is still a creative outlet! Within the techniques there is room for personality to shine through with improvisation, personalization, and self-advocacy.
Improving quality of life
Through the use of different NMT techniques we can address a wide range of skills. Improving upon the aforementioned skills above Neurologic Music Therapy can bring an individual a higher quality of life by assisting them in their personal goals. As Neurologic Music Therapists we have tools at our disposal to help individuals with motor, communication, cognitive, and regulation needs.
Out staff has ample experience working with individuals with Down syndrome, we also focus on learning all that we can regarding NMT and Down syndrome. There are support groups and meetings with fellow NMT’s that Musical Bridges staff attend to stay up to date on techniques, research, and ideas on how to best serve our clients.
With the structures and individualization NMT provides we can support the development and continued growth of our clients.
Delve further into how NMT affects our practice and how it can benefit you in the following articles.