South West Sydney based Autism Advisory and Support Service (AASS) have just released an affordable Music Therapy CD and workbook called Meeting in the Music.
AASS registered music therapist Pamela Fisher, who features on the CD and wrote many of the songs, says this is a valuable tool for families.
“They can learn to use their inner musicality to connect and engage with their autistic children who have additional needs as well as their siblings in the home environment,” Ms Fisher said.
“Music therapy can assist in regulating emotions, help to promote language acquisition, assists with left/right brain hemisphere coordination and uses a motivating and fun medium to engage in purposeful play.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Music therapy is the planned and creative use of music to meet the variety of needs of individuals with additional needs, including cognitive, social, emotional and physical.[/social_quote]
“It is the use of live music making in order to reach the unique goals of each individual.’’
AASS says the Meeting in the Music CD and workbook were produced with the help of a generous grant from the St George Foundation.
AASS founder and CEO Grace Fava said yesterday: “While this CD should not be used in lieu of clinical music therapy sessions, it will provide a platform to build a bridge for those who live in rural and remote areas and low socio economic families who cannot readily access a Registered Music Therapist.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We are proud of Pamela and her amazing gift of using music as a therapeutic medium, reaching even children who have profound disabilities.”[/social_quote]
Ms Fava said that with an increasing worldwide prevalence of autism (one in 2 children will be affected by 2025) and a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that seems to be missing the mark for many in the south west Sydney area, the Meeting in the Music CD and workbook would be welcome by families with an autistic member.
Pamela Fisher is available for professional development within schools and other organisations so many can also use this valuable tool to reach out and help individuals with additional needs.
For further information please call Grace Fava 0432 327 096.
