Music Therapy for people with disability

Who hasn’t been moved by a stirring bit of music? It can immediately change the way we feel for the better. This is because when we listen to music, our brain gives us a dose of the ‘feel good’ chemical dopamine. Dopamine is important for a wide range of brain functions, such as movement, emotions, speech, and memory. It is also associated with reward and reinforcement. If you like something, you will go back for more. And, connecting these two, music and dopamine, has led to the development of music therapy.

What is Music Therapy

Music therapy is a recognised profession, based on well-documented research. It may involve just listening to music or singing songs, playing an instrument or the use of other special techniques. Therapists work with individuals providing tailored therapy to achieve better health and well-being outcomes. “It has the power to change moods, refocus attention, elicit emotions, express feelings, improve speech, improve fine motor skills as well as promote social interaction and improve quality of life.” (My Care Space). Music therapy works for a range of people and conditions including:

• Autism
• Disability 
• Development and learning delays
• Mental health
• Aged-related conditions

NDIS and music therapy

The NDIS recognises the benefit of music therapy and is included under “Therapeutic Supports”. It can be included in an NDIS plan if it can be shown that it is a reasonable and necessary support. The purpose of these supports is for participants to gain skills and improve independence. And music therapy fits with NDIS goals. It is essentially a social activity involving communication, listening and sharing. NDIS has approved music therapy for Early Childhood Early Intervention Support. 

Registered Music Therapists 

Only registered music therapists can work under the NDIS. Therapists must be highly skilled musicians and also:

• Have a degree in music therapy
• Be registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
• Abide by the ATMA code of Ethics
• Complete regular Continuing Professional Development program
• Use methods that are informed by research and practice from around the world
• Work collaboratively towards specific health and wellbeing goals assessed as appropriate for an individual or group

To locate a music therapist, go to www.austmta.org.au.

When working with NDIS participants, music therapists will include the families and may also work with other allied health professionals to provide the best possible outcomes.

What can music therapy do?

Challenging behaviour can be a barrier to community inclusions. Music therapy can provide positive behaviour support, helping with mood regulation and management of behavioural triggers. 

It also provides the opportunity for participants to:

• Meet people and make friends both in the music therapy session, and in the general community. Music is a great equaliser
• Increase social skills 
• Encourage speech
• Maintain or improve mobility, communication and/or cognitive processing
• Improve social interaction with others
• Learn appropriate behaviours in groups
• Build self-esteem/confidence 

Your plan and NDIS

If you would like music therapy included in your plan, you will need to show how it can help achieve one or more of your goals. If you need more help contact us on 1300 515 888, email [email protected]or  click here.