To register for this group, click here.
Music Express! is an innovative program for children experiencing communication difficulties and/or developmental delay or for children seeking an enriched language experience. The program combines music, movement, and rhythm to develop oral motor, articulation, language, social, fine and gross motor skills. It also provides an opportunity for exploration of feelings and creative self-expression through improvisation and song writing. This program was developed by Noreen Donnell, Music Therapist and Kim Pace, Speech-Language Pathologist and is implemented by a team of professionals, including music therapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and communicative disorders assistants. Recent changes to improve the programme include themed sessions, increased session time, and continuous enrollment opportunities.
Strategies that may be included:
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Stefan’s Story
Stefan is 4 ½ years old, and has been diagnosed with autism. He was having some difficulty with following instructions, completing tasks and answering questions. As a result, frustration was building for him and his family. Since he really likes music and responds well to it, his Mom enrolled him in the Music Express! group, to help with the speech and communication challenges he was having. The Music Express group program is led by a Speech-Language Pathologist and Music Therapist. It is designed to also help children develop social and motor skills. Stefan’s mom thought it would be a great way for him to develop the confidence to communicate and socialize with his peers. Group Leader and Music Therapist, Maya Chriqui, said “Stefan, improved dramatically from week to week by responding to a visual schedule, listening to musical cues and directions, attending to each activity, anticipating his favourite songs and activities and following directions for which he was given verbal praise and leadership roles (seeking positive attention versus negative attention).” Mom said that Stefan really enjoyed Maya and mentions her name all the time. She had the ability to motivate him and the music was extremely effective at keeping him engaged. Several family members, teachers, and friends noticed a considerable difference in his speech after the 5 week program was completed. There were many new vocabulary words and spontaneous phrases and he was able to consistently communicate using 3-4 word requests. He also began repeating words and full phrases voluntarily. The ability to express himself and the confidence to make requests independently lessened his frustration and anxiety overall, which diminished difficult behaviour. “Overall”, says Stefan’s Mom, “the skills he gained have definitely contributed to his happy demeanour.”
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- Visual supports to establish routine
- Natural gesture, signs, and visual supports to facilitate language comprehension and to elicit use of vocabulary and grammatical forms
- Rhythm, tempo, and momentum to stimulate vocalization and/or expressive language
- Supportive seating for handling of instruments
- Peer modeling
- Repetition and verbal cueing
- Rhythm and tempo to facilitate fine and gross motor movement
Facilitated By:
Groups will be facilitated by a Speech-Language Pathologist or Communications Disorder Assistant and a Music Therapist.
Program Fees:
$495. A 50% deposit will be taken at the time of registration. The balance is payable on the first day. Fees cannot be refunded due to absence or missed session. Fees may be covered by extended health insurance under Speech-Language Pathology and can be claimed under the Children’s Activity Tax Credit and/or other funding sources.
Cancellation Policy:
Groups will be facilitated by a Speech-Language Pathologist or Communications Disorder Assistant and a Music Therapist, with on-going consultation and support from an Occupational Therapist.
To register for this group, click here.
