Learning Disabilities

For people with a learning disability it can be hard to understand and communicate with others around them. They can also experience frustration, anxiety or unhappiness. Music therapy can support a person physically and emotionally without the need for words. It gives people opportunities to communicate, develop skills, and have fun in a supportive environment.

Music therapists will respond to the individual and focus on their particular needs. Depending on the individual some of the benefits of music therapy can be:

• Developing communication and language – through building a relationship with the therapist new ways of communicating can be learned through making  music, listening and responding 
• Developing social and emotional skills – music therapy can help with social skills such as decision making and  interaction. It can promote relaxation and helps to release feelings of frustration, anger or depression. Music therapy can also help develop confidence and self-esteem, and provides a safe space to explore and express feelings through music rather than words.
• Developing physical skills – playing with instruments and responding to music can help with developing co-ordination, movement and balance

If you would like to find out more about how music therapy can support someone with a learning disability, please contact us.