Feature Session
Title:
Tuneful Learning Experiences:Using Music for Skill Improvement in Young Children with ASD
Session Description:
Early childhood music educators,therapists and others working with young children and their families may be confronted with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) during their professional careers. This presentation provides the opportunity to learn about
- core characteristic of ASD,early warning signs,prevalence rates and possible causes,and
- research-based benefits of music therapy interventions for improving independent functioning and participation of young children with ASD in daily life.
Strategies and tips on how to use music for learning in various settings will be shared and further discussed in the following break out session. Web-based resources such as the online early childhood music therapy magazine imagine,podcasts,and music apps will be introduced for those who wish to explore these topics in more depth.
Break0ut Session
Title:
Tuneful Playground Interventions:Using Music for Purposeful Outdoor Play
Session Description
Outdoor playgrounds offer children important opportunities for playing,learning,and socially  participating that differ from those presented by indoor environments. For children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD),playground time can be quite challenging if the outdoor environment and activities do not match the children’s abilities and interests,and if no adult support is provided. This session introduces evidence-based music activities and strategies for successful outdoor play. Learn how to:
- create a musical playground environment that encourages engagement and participation,
- embed playground songs as an effective strategy for supporting individual learning goals in children with ASD,and
- provide creative interdisciplinary learning opportunities in outdoor play for all children.
A playground songbook that includes goals/objectives,behavior observation suggestions,and instructions on how to build outdoor instruments will support the content of this session.
About the Speaker
Petra Kern,Ph.D.,MT-DMtG,MT-BC,MTA,owner of Music Therapy Consulting,has a clinical and research focus on young children,especially those with autism spectrum disorders in inclusive settings. She is the editor of imagine,author of numerous publications,a dynamic international speaker,and serves as the Past President of the World Federation of Music Therapy and other music therapy committees/boards worldwide. For more details,please visit her website at www.musictherapy.biz.
Contact:petrakern@musictherapy.biz