Melodic-Based Communication Therapy: An Innovative Approach for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• •Discuss current literature on the neurology of individuals with autism spectrum disorder


• •Evaluate the success of melodic-based interventions for improving speech, language, and social skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder


• •Determine the appropriate uses of melodic-based interventions for different clients


• •Demonstrate the techniques/steps needed to implement melodic-based interventions into a therapeutic practice


• •Explain how to implement melodic-based interventions into group therapy and home practice

Use Melody to More Effectively Engage Non-verbal or Low-Verbal Clients in Therapy
Treating children with autism can have its difficulties, including a lack of compliance, aggression, and painfully slow progress. As clinicians, we often wonder, "What can I do to motivate him/her?" or "Why won't he/she speak?" Sometimes we feel as though we've tried every trick up our sleeves and yet our best efforts are to no avail. The time has come for innovative approaches, and nothing is as promising as the use of melodic–based communication therapy (MBCT).

This seminar addresses some of the reasons why individuals with autism may not be responding to typical methods of intervention as quickly as we would like. Dr. Sandiford shares cutting edge research on the minds of individuals with autism and how they may respond differently to spoken words and melody. She presents melodic–based techniques for motivating children with autism to actively participate in our therapy session. This is an interactive seminar, with several opportunities throughout the day for collaboration, role–playing, and discussion. Dr. Sandiford's goal is to equip you to be ready to immediately and successful implement these techniques with your own clients