Case Study 3 - David
Case Study 3 -David
Compiled by James Hodgson, SRAST(M), Senior 2 Music Therapist
David is a 12 year old with behavioural difficulties and one of the more learning disabled pupils at school. He is socially isolated and has poor attention. Although verbal, his speech is echolalic which means that he will echo what you say rather than responding appropriately.
His teacher felt that because of his positive response to music Music Therapy might help David with a range of difficulties including communication and playing with others.
David has responded positively to Music Therapy. Sessions begin with structured songs providing clear places for David to sing and play. This playful experience has caught his attention, enlivened him and enabled him to maintain concentration for over 15 minutes at a time.
Within these games we work to encourage the meaningful use of language and flexibility of tempo and volume. David has learnt short pieces of music where he can play the appropriate instrument at the appropriate moment. He has picked up these activities quickly allowing me to go to the piano and accompany his music with minimal support. He has enjoyed this experience demonstrating motivation, concentration and memory. The experience of succeeding is helping to build self-confidence which may help to unlock further developmental potential.
The second part of the session is less structured offering free improvisation supported by the therapist at the piano. David is offered a selection of untuned or tuned percussion instruments. David was not able to make his own choices in early sessions. He has recently chosen the instrument he is going to play which is a significant development. David was initially more lost in this less structured part of the session but is making progress, showing increased awareness of the musical relationship and using the time more expressively.
Music provides a communicative medium that by-passes the difficulties David experiences in language. This allows him to achieve things that are difficult in a verbal context. It provides motivation and encourages concentration. Above all, music provides a medium in which he can feel successful and in which he has new opportunities for self-expression. Since beginning Music Therapy David has been observed in the playground joining in a game with others of his own accord.
(The child’s name has been changed to protect confidentiality).