Sarah Schweit

March 22, 2015

MUS150, Stringham
Parents Perceptions of Family-based Group Music Therapy for Children with Autism
Spectrum Disorders by Nicole Allgood.
As someone who considered studying music therapy, I was very moved and
impressed with Allgoods stressed importance on parent participation. She acknowledges
that forms of autism can come through many qualities just as personalities do. For this
reason, parent involvement is essential in both relationship building and patient
understanding.
Allgood mentions how music is a good form of communication because it can
range in structure. I believe this is an imperative advantage to understand. Music can be
improvised or can be extremely structured. Children with autism who have trouble
expressing their feelings through mere words can use improvisatory instrumentation or
vocalizations to find proper expressiveness. Others with severe communication problems
can use rigidly structured music as a communication path without feeling like they have
to pick and choose their own words. This rigidity with options provides a sort of comfort.
The article suggests that parents can partake in musically therapeutic
communication exercises with their own children, regardless of the presence of a musical
therapist. I whole heartedly agree with this idea and truthfully believe that it could be a
successful relationship-building tool for children both with and without disabilities.
Obviously, music is a great communication route for those with disabilities. I also believe
it is a great route for parents and children who simply need more time to be connected.
Allgood notes a study in which children who had a hard time with parents were
suddenly having successful communication sessions as well as a generally happier

relationship due to the increase in musical communication. This is an amazing feat and
discovery that needs to have continued research so as to continue peacemaking around
the world.
Citation
Allgood, N. (2005). Parents perceptions of family-based group music therapy for
children with autism spectrum disorders. Music Therapy Perspectives, 23(2), 92-99.