Developing Communication Skills- A Combined Speech Pathology and Music Therapy Approach with Intellectually Disabled People

Author(s): Fiona-Steel, RMT. Helen-Tossell, RMT.

Journal/Book: Australian Music Therapy Association Conference Proceedings. 1988; Australia. Australian Music Therapy Association 2/31 Abercrombie street 3103 Deepdene Australia. Collected Works.

Abstract: The aim of the paper is to present practical activities that have been used successfully. All Clients involved in these music/communication programs have minimal or no speech. In every case, it was necessary to supplement speech with non-speech forms of communication. Activities giving clients a range of music options from which to choose include: aerobics, listening to cassettes, dancing, playing percussion instruments, bell ringing and a relaxation activity. The five main advantages in combining speech pathology and music therapy seem to be: 1) Music activities provide motivation for communication, 2) Music activities provide a purpose for communication, 3) Music activities allow for an increased opportunities for choice, 4) Music activities allow for repetition and rehearsal of communication strategies, 5) Music activities elicit a range of responses that assist the therapist to sellect appropriate communication systems.

Keyword(s): Multi-modal, speech-pathology, communication, developmental-music-therapy, intellectual-defect, songs.

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