Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

Music Therapy with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities is utilized to assist the individual to develop the skills he/she already has, learn new skills, and decrease any negative behaviors he/she has.  Treatment goals are generally grouped into five areas: Motor, Cognitive, Communication, Social, and Emotional.  Therapy can be provided in either individual or group settings.

Treatment Examples (other treatment types may apply):

Individual Therapy - The needs of the individual vary greatly from session to session as well as throughout each session, therefore improvisation is utilized a great deal.  Improvisation types include vocal, instrumental, rhythmic (non-instrumental), and any combination of the previous three.  Clients are encouraged to participate to their full ability level, whether that be simply through a vocal sigh or a full vocal and instrumental improvisation.  Learning songs, song writing, and public performances are also introduced when therapeutically appropriate.

Small Group - Small groups focus on social interaction, communication, cognitive, and emotional skills.  Techniques frequently utilized include instrumental improvisation, learning songs, song writing, and public performances.  Discussions about classical or popular music frequently arise and will occasionally lead to group trips to concerts.

Adjunct Treatment Modality - Music Therapy can also be utilized by other types of therapy professions to increase an client's responsiveness and willingness to participate in treatment.  It can be utilized as a co-treatment (i.e., speech therapy and music therapy working together on an equal plane) or as a supplementary treatment (i.e., physical therapy is the lead in treatment while music therapy provides support for physical therapy's goals).

All treatment provided depend on the individual(s) being served.  For more information on service types provided by Blue Ridge Music Therapy, please visit the Services page.

Other pages of interest:

Music Therapy and Rehabilitation Services

Individuals with Mental Health Needs