These two therapists both specialize in music therapy for people on the autism spectrum and combined their expertise in order to provide a 10 week series of music therapy groups for children on the autism spectrum. This Music Therapy Outreach Program is supported, in part, by a generous grant from Autism Speaks.

Group music is a great setting to create opportunities for developing social connections. Moving together in synchronicity, which in this case is everyone participating in the same rhythmic movement, encourages social cooperation and creates a sense of purpose and togetherness. Singing in unison can also have the same effect. Examples are BrainDance (inspired by Anne Green Gilbert of http://creativedance.org/about/braind...) and Bear Hunt.

Group music also provides the opportunity for children to learn social skills such as imitation, turn taking, joint attention, shared affect, and empathy.

We often incorporate several facilitations that involve passing instruments. Passing instruments provides a structured activity for engaging with the person on either side and helps create awareness of others.