Music helps young people with special needs connect with world

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The universal language of music is helping young people with special needs better relate to the world around them. Ed Scannell, from our sister station, News 14 Carolina, has more.

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The universal language of music is helping young people with special needs better relate to the world around them. They're taking part in a class, called Connections, where they're listening, participating and establishing valuable relationships.

It's a special time for young adults with intellectual developmental delays and stretches their skills and expands their imaginations.

"We end up working on some goals like communication and socialization,” Jane Maydian, a board certified music therapist, said. “We work in the areas of gross motor skills and fine motor skills. What we're really doing is just having a whole lot of fun."

Music is the vehicle.

"We do instrument playing, singing, movement, wheel chair dancing," Maydian said.


Corey Fields is one of six people in the class.

"I like playing instruments,” Fields said. “I like singing to other people. The reason I like singing is because I feel like I bring a lot of joy in people's hearts."

Parents said the interaction with others in a musical environment was making a difference in the quality of their children's lives.

"Because when there's no music he's sitting around, looking, taking things in,” Sherrie Wyrick said. “But he interacts a little more when there's some music. He'll sing along with it and make his noise."

Wyrick hoped other parents would see the value of music therapy and enroll their children in the class.

"Anybody that has special needs and is looking for something to do come out and do music therapy they will really be impressed,” Wyrick said. “It really opens them up, gives them something to look forward to."

Maydian said that was Connections' inspiration.

"The reason it's called Connections is because it allows this wonderful group of people to make connections with each other and with the world," Maydian said.

Maydian plans another class in the fall for preschool children through young adults. She can be contacted at 336-681-8104.

Source : YNN , 4th August 2013