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Beth Susag using a point to spell technique with a little girl

Neurologic Music Therapy

Music Therapy, often viewed through a social science lens, promotes emotional well-being, social interaction, and emotional support through various musical experiences such as listening to music, singing, songwriting, and playing instruments.  

Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), grounded in the neuroscience of music perception, cognition, and production, is an evidence-based treatment approach. Studies have revealed that rhythm activates brain regions below conscious awareness, activating numerous brain regions simultaneously (Thaut & McIntosh, 2015). Neurologic music therapists apply standardized NMT techniques to target and improve sensorimotor, speech & language, and cognitive functions. (NMTacademyBeyond its emotional impact, music has a profound influence on brain health and plasticity. It optimizes the retraining of damaged or impaired brain functions, promoting the creation and restoration of neural pathways and strengthening the intricate connections between multiple neural networks.  

Board Certification in Music Therapy (MT-BC) is a fundamental prerequisite for all Neurologic Music Therapists (NMTs). Beyond the standard music therapy certification, NMTs are required to complete additional specialized training to earn and maintain their NMT designation.

Beth working on Neurologic Music Therapy with Josiah (19)

How will NMT help my neurodiverse child?

Unlocking the “why” behind sensory motor differences in the brain and body is a prerequisite to understanding how NMT can provide meaningful support.  

Neurodivergent individuals, specifically those with autism, face difficulties with how their brains process and respond to sensory information and how they plan and execute movements. There is a disconnect between wanting to move in a certain way and the body struggling to carry out that movement smoothly. This challenge is sometimes referred to as whole-body apraxia, where the signals for movement may be unclear, overwhelming, or disorganized, making it difficult to perform actions intentionally.

Even when individuals with autism cognitively understand a motor task and possess the physical capacity to complete it, there appears to be a disconnect in the brain-body communication that translates intent into smooth, purposeful movement. Dr. Elizabeth Torres’ findings suggest that motor tasks for individuals with autism may lack the inherent fluidity seen in neurotypical brains. Instead, it’s as though the motor movement is happening for the first time every time, resulting in disruptions to accurate motor performance. (Torres, 2023

Research indicates that in the brains of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), there is disconnectivity across multiple regions of the brain, which may be linked to delays in brain network development. Music, particularly rhythm, has been demonstrated to support the formation of new neural pathways, thereby enhancing overall brain connectivity and improving brain function. This offers a powerful tool for helping individuals with ASD.  (Melillo, 2022)

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