Tom’s Story
September 9, 2016
‘Tom was referred to music therapy aged two when he had received a broad diagnosis of ‘global developmental delay’. Tom loved drums in particular and his family felt that music therapy may open some doors for him developmentally due to this. Tom had low concentration initially and he struggled to maintain his attention for more than two minutes at a time. He used little eye contact, looked around the room often and lay on the floor due to lower muscle tone and balance, and he made few small vocalisations. Tom never made requests or expressed when he was unhappy.
Tom found great joy in music therapy! As our sessions progressed, his concentration developed rapidly, and he became able to hold beaters and play instruments through gross and fine motor skill activities, such as balancing, stretching and leaning to reach for instruments to tap. Tom gradually learned the sign language that I was doing with him, and with extension of this from his incredibly supportive family, he became able to request instruments and control the music more communicatively. Tom’s pre-vocalisations (shown initially) were significantly extended through singing activities, which meant that over time, Tom was able to express his emotions more freely through the music, as well as express needs and also frustration or upset in his everyday life, which was incredibly important for his well-being and communication.’ Roz Whiteley, Music Therapist
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What our friends say about us
We use MusAbility for several of our clients who are currently, and have previously been through the medical negligence court system. MusAbility’s services are not only professional, timely and evidence-based in their clinical assessments, but the clients also show real developments in long-term work where many other health professionals declared none were possible. A truly inspirational team.
Medical Negligence Lawyer
Not only can we see the clear changes in behaviour for the children that attend music therapy…but it’s giving the staff new skills and techniques to work with the children that need a little extra support. Just brilliant.
Classroom Teacher, Mainstream School
It is absolutely fascinating to see how this child responds in music therapy…to be surrounded by verbal interaction, then be met in an environment when words are sometimes not used at all…it is incredibly impactive. I think it should be available to every child!
Support Assistant in Mainstream School
I have honestly never seen anything like it…music therapy reaches this child at such a profound level, we are in tears of joy every session, and their development visibly increases week to week.
Teaching Assistant, Specialist School
Some of the children in our school are that bit older…and they really struggle to engage both in the classroom and with staff on a 1:1 basis. Music therapy breaks down all boundaries. They love the sessions, and they think it’s so ‘cool’ that they are pushed to reach their potential…sometimes without even realising it!
Deputy Head Teacher, School for Children with Special Needs
Our music therapist is an integral part of our team. Not only do they engage clinically with the clients, but they also liaise with staff within the multi-disciplinary team…most importantly always putting the client first. We absolutely could not do without music therapy…and our clients wouldn’t allow it!