Music therapist recommendation?

[Anonymous]

Hi there,
Our 17-month-old son has substantial developmental delays, especially in the area of speech and communication. It seems clear that he is extremely musical. We would like to harness that interest - does anyone have thoughts or experiences with music therapy, or a recommendation for a music therapist in the general area of Chevy Chase?
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I don't know of a music therapist, but my son has developmental delays, originally with many autistic characteristics. It began with a pretty dramatic regression at about 15 months. He's 4 and half now, still gets special education, but is pretty "normal" now. Anyone who meets him would never guess his history (or current issues, for that matter).

About six months after his initial regression, we enrolled in Music Together, which has a developmentally appropriate, research-based curriculum. It really seemed to tap into something going on in his brain. We did it for two years and loved it. His OT and speech therapist at the time were really happy to hear that we were going to Music Together classes. They were familiar with it and very positive about the program.

[Anonymous]

I swear I'm not trying to be rude, but I'm curious as to what "substantial developmental delays, especially in the area of speech and communication" for a 17 month old child are?

[Anonymous]

I would like to know what music therapy is and what is it designed to address and how? I am genuinely interested because this has been offered as an option at my child's school, but I can't seem to get a handle on what it is and how it is supposed to work.

[Anonymous]

You should contact the American Music Therapy Association. They can give you a list of music therapists in your area that work with kids, even sorted by zipcode. They are online at www.musictherapy.org or at 301-589-3300.

It's a GREAT form of therapy for kids. Good luck in your search!