I am really grateful for the many experiences I have had over the past forty years of being a musician, piano teacher, choir director, counselor. Every time I have a session with a student, I learn something new.
Part of this journey of learning new things involve being will to change my own approach of how I work with various children and adults. When I have a child who tends to be hyper-active, I engage with them differently than a child who tends to be shy and quiet. What motivates children is different from child to child, even when working with twins, triplets and quadruplets.
I have noticed that parents sometimes are frustrated with their children and feel like nothing seems to work. This can be very true with parents whose children are special in that their needs emotionally, cognitively and socially are different. Children who have been diagnosed with Autism, Aspergers, AD, ADHD, etc., need patience, predictability, planning, insight and guidance.
It takes a great deal of education to fully realize how to extend that best possible care for all children. I feel strongly that incorporating Music and Art Education, Dance and Sports and extremely important. To leave these activities out in a child's life is sad. Some children for instance, who lack the ability to speak and communicate, need a more creative means to express how they are feeling and what they are going through.
I have witnessed remarkable experiences with children while using the piano, a keyboard, drums, listening to recorded music, and playing along with music. I have also witnessed incredible art work produced by children who thrive at being able draw and create an art piece which again, allows them to express their thoughts and feelings.
I disagree with many of the current trends of therapy where children and treated with intimidation, harsh boundaries and are treated in what I consider rude, manipulative ways. I feel these type of treatments is often treating a child like they are a statistic for the sake of billing insurance companies.
I attempted to learn some 'therapies', and I found it most of them to be unloving and condescending, both to a child and their families. The only people who praise this treatment are those employed within it. Research independent therapists who work with autistic children and discover for yourself they effectiveness of other forms of therapy, including using Music and Art work.
As a parent, if these words ring true to you, I would like to speak with you. Perhaps your searching for some new, effective ways to engage your child. Every child deserves to be treated with respect and find opportunities of self-expression. Having a happy parent, happy children is always my goal. Music alone brings such joy and freedom to a child's life. Ask me about Emotional Regulation...
Art Scott
www.musicbyartscott.com
Other Resources:
http://autismspecialneedsmusicbyartscott.blogspot.com/
949.454.1221
email: mraspiano@yahoo.com
House calls only.
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