Lately I’ve been getting a lot of questions from strangers. This is very cool! And, I’m always shocked when others in the field of music therapy think to ask me something… it’s totally flattering.
So I got this great question from a reader…
Hey Michelle!! I’m an undergrad student at App State, and I wanted to touch base with you. I’m preparing to go into my 3rd semester of practicum and my assigned population is children with autism. I wanted to know if you had any good websites and resources that specify good techniques to use for this population. I want to make sure that I do a great job this semester, since this is the population that I’m interested in working with in my future career. Any help would be awesome!
My Response: 
Thanks for thinking to ask me! And, kudos to you for being so proactive and looking outside of your classroom for resources.
Here are some websites and resources (in no particular order):
- Cathy Knoll’s Autism Toolbox Self Study Course – This ebook looks at 3 major goal areas that you’re most likely to address with this population AND gives music therapy clinical strategies for each. This is also the gift that keeps on giving because you can use it again later by completing the course for CMTE credit. Totally worth the initial $15.
- Case Studies – I like to read case studies because a lot of the time standard MT articles are too general and don’t really help me when I’m looking for clinical examples. I use Case Studies in Music Therapy (Kenneth Bruscia)
and Music Therapy Perspectives articles.
- The Client and the Other People In Their Lives – No matter what your MT theoretical view is (behavioristic, humanistic, etc, etc.) part of the direction that you take in their treatment will be determined by the patient’s strengths, weaknesses and interests. You will figure this out through your assessment when you talk with the patient and the other people in their lives (parents/teachers/etc.).
- You – Yes, you are your own resource… your brain and your creativity will lead you to know what to do.
What are your tips?
Please share in the comments.
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I would suggest reading blogs by people on the autism spectrum. There are quite a lot of them, and trying to understand the experience from the perspective of the person experiencing autism will be the most respectful approach, I think. Also, although it’s not a music therapy book, I can not recommend the book “Learning to Listen” by Herb Lovett enough. I think it’s a valuable resource for anyone who works with people on the autism spectrum and who have been labelled with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Good luck with the practicum!
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