How Music and Art Therapy Support Brain Development in Autistic Children: A Guide for Parents

 Here are simple and enjoyable music and art therapy activities that parents can do at home to assist in their child's brain development:


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Music Therapy Activities


1. Sing Routine Songs – Create songs for daily activities like brushing teeth or dressing. This helps in language development and transitions.



2. Drum to a Beat – Grab everyday objects (pots, spoons) and turn them into drums to help improve coordination and rhythm.



3. Musical Freeze Dance – Play music and have your child dance, then stop the music to practice impulse control.



4. Emotion Song Game – Sing songs with emotions (happy, sad, excited) to practice emotional expression.



5. Instrument Play – Offer your child a small keyboard, xylophone, or shakers to practice making sounds and developing motor skills.



6. Humming or Singing Together – Vocal development and bonding.



7. Music and Movement Scarf Dance – Dance with music while utilizing scarves or ribbons, promoting sensory integration.



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Art Therapy Activities


1. Finger Painting – Develops sensory exploration and fine motor strength.



2. Coloring Mandalas – Helps with concentration, relaxation, and fine motor control.



3. Collage Making – Cutting and pasting paper or magazine cutouts develops creativity and hand-eye coordination.



4. Clay or Playdough Sculpting – Enhances finger strength and calming sensory integration.


5. Painting to Music – Paint to different types of music to assist in relating emotion to color.


6. Self-Portrait Drawing – Encourages self-awareness and self-expression.


7. Storytelling Through Art – Have your child draw a picture and tell a story about it to build imagination and communication.



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They are fun, therapeutic, and easy to incorporate into everyday life. Would you also like some recommendations for therapy programs or professional services?


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