ERIC Number: EJ976663
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1175-9232
EISSN: N/A
Music Therapy for Children with Down Syndrome: Perceptions of Caregivers in a Special School Setting
Pienaar, Dorothea
Kairaranga, v13 n1 p36-43 2012
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder resulting from chromosome 21 having three copies (trisomy 21). Cognitive functioning and anatomical features cause speech and language development delay (Kumin, 2003). Children with DS generally enjoy communication (Schoenbrodt, 2004), and respond well to interaction and social scripts. Music therapy has been extensively used in the past four decades as a treatment for children with disabilities (Nordoff & Robbins, 2007; Wigram, Pederson & Bonde, 2002). Children with DS seem specifically responsive to music and show potential to be part of group music-making (Wigram et al., 2002). In both speech and music, rhythm and sound are primary elements and all elements of music may be integrated into a speech-language programme (Birkenshaw, 1994; Wilmot, 2004). Family and caregiver support are required for therapy to be effective. Caregivers' views of music therapy for children with DS were examined as a preliminary step in the evaluation of music therapy outcomes for this population. A questionnaire examining perspectives of effects of music on the communication development of children with DS was given to 19 caregivers of children with DS working in a special school environment. Consistent with reports in the literature, caregivers perceive children with DS as responsive to music, and to have musical and communicative strengths. Caregivers perceived that communication and social skills may develop through regular music therapy sessions. These perceptions corresponded with the views of music therapists who were later interviewed as part of this study.
Descriptors: Genetic Disorders, Special Schools, Music, Down Syndrome, Disabilities, Educational Environment, Music Therapy, Language Acquisition, Caregiver Attitudes, Speech Language Pathology, Outcomes of Treatment, Questionnaires, Communication Skills, Special Needs Students, Foreign Countries, Accessibility (for Disabled)
Massey University. Private Bag 11 222; Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. Tel: +64-6-351-3396; Fax: +64-6-351-3472; email: kairaranga@massey.ac.nz; Web site: http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/departments/school-curriculum-pedagogy/kairaranga/kairaranga_home.cfm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A