What forms of communication did a music therapy student use in her work with high school students who have special needs, and why?

Abstract

<p>This research project is aimed at answering the question: What forms of communication did a music therapy student use in her work with high school students who have special needs, and why? As communication is one of the primary goals for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other learning difficulties, (Gadberry 2011) I, as the music therapy student and researcher explored different forms of communication used in my practice and the reasoning behind them using Secondary Analysis of Data and Thematic Analysis. Forms of communication discussed include musical communication, social communication, direct instruction, gestures, key signs from New Zealand Sign Language, verbal communication, visual communication, technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems, and combinations of each. The wide variety of reasons for my use of these forms of communication include, but are not limited to: supporting engagement, encouraging communication, promoting self-regulation, encouraging choice-making and turn-taking, supporting socialization and interaction and reinforcing behavioural messages. The research was informed by my clinical work on placement at a learning support centre for children with special needs at a high school. The concepts of music as therapy and music in therapy are explored in relation to music therapy work involving different forms of communication. My conclusions support the use of various forms of communication in music therapy in special needs education settings when aligned with a focus on music, improvisation and the individual participant.</p>