Songs For Adults With Intellectual Disabilities (MID)
Music therapy has long been a successful therapeutic solution for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A wide repertoire of songs is essential to ensure clients feel comfortable listening and expressing their emotions during sessions with you.
Music can be an incredibly effective tool to facilitate communication, promote learning, and stimulate social interactions – especially for those who have difficulty speaking verbally. It has the potential to transform lives!
Music provides us with the unique ability to express creatively, which in turn develops emotional expression, social skills and problem-solving abilities.
The therapist may choose to incorporate their client’s favorite songs or play ones that are more familiar in the setting, such as American pop hits or songs from their childhood or adolescence. Furthermore, the therapist can select music that speaks specifically to their client’s individual needs and concerns.
These may include sensory processing, attention, memory and language development. A music therapist may use various instruments like pianos, drums or guitar to facilitate their work in music therapy.
Music therapy sessions typically last 45 minutes, though this can be extended if needed. This length of time provides the therapist with enough room to work with each individual in a more personalized setting.
For effective therapy sessions, the therapist should utilize high-quality speakers so all attendees can hear the music clearly. This is especially essential for those who are deaf, as they might have difficulty deciphering lyrics.
The therapist should utilize visual aids to keep everyone motivated and engaged throughout the session. A tablet or other device can be an ideal choice for projecting imagery onto a screen.
Visual images can be an effective aid for therapy when playing music or singing, especially for those with limited motor function.
While the therapist plays music, the client may focus on an image of a place, object or person and be able to access memories or express emotions. This can be an effective way of dealing with emotional issues like anger or sadness.
Particularly helpful when working with emotionally fragile individuals, visioning yourself as you imagine yourself can give patients a sense of belonging and boost self-esteem.
Music therapists may also encourage clients to create their own song, using lyrics and musical elements that are personally meaningful for them. Doing so can give the client a sense of accomplishment and ownership over their creation, as well as provide them with invaluable positive feedback regarding their efforts.
Although research on this topic is limited, it appears that music therapy can be an effective tool for adults with intellectual disabilities in relieving stress and anxiety. Indeed, studies have indicated that stress is linked to an increased likelihood of developing mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
