UBC Press Music Therapy, Sensory Integration and the Autistic Child book Paperback 256 pages

Music's ability to influence emotions and moods is universally acknowledged, and music therapists have long known that stimulating the brain through the auditory system is a key to obtaining remarkable responses. Music therapy is a particularly effective tool when working with children with autism spectrum conditions, because music communicates with these children on a level where mere words cannot go.Written in a way that is both informative for the professional and accessible for parents, this book furthers the already strong case for the use of music therapy as a resource to encourage behavioural changes for the better in children with autism spectrum conditions. Placing particular emphasis upon sensory integration, the author discusses contributing factors to the behaviour of people on the autism spectrum, and, through the use of case studies, presents the latest approaches in music therapy that are enabling children with autism spectrum conditions to better cope with sensory integration.

Dorita S Berger, a concert pianist and educator, is a Board Certified music therapist. As well as an extensive background in university teaching, she has written numerous articles on the impact of music on human development, and also a book entitled Toward the Zen of Performance. Currently, Dorita runs a Music Therapy Clinic in Norwalk, Connecticut, working one-on-one with PDD, autism, language learning delays, sensory issues and anxiety disorders. She also serves as a music therapy consultant to schools and special programs throughout the region.