Music therapy for kids with autism spectrum disorder

Clarice Lee

Music Therapy can help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder improve social skills, communication skills and encourage appropriate expression of emotions. It’s a risk free and non-drug approach and is one solution, which is customized for each child based on their needs. Clarice Lee, MT-BC who is a board-certified Music Therapist with a Music degree from the University of Miami Frost School of Music is developing the program at the Miami Conservatory of Music in Coconut Grove. 

“This is an important resource for the community and provides parents and children with a structured program,” according to Brigitte Kishlar, who is the founder of the Miami Conservatory of Music. “Professor Lee doubled majored in Neurologic Music Therapy and Psychology and enjoys working with special needs children.”

Therapy is available on an individual basis and lasts from 30-45 minutes.  Most children participate in 1-2 sessions a week. Group sessions may be available in the future.  All instruments and materials are provided by the Conservatory. No music experience or skills are required. Children are evaluated at the start and input from parents is also used to determine what course the therapy will take. Children may play instruments or sing or the therapist will perform and the child will interact.  Parents are invited to participate in sessions as this can help with techniques and support when they are at home.

“We outline target specific goals and objectives and parents are provided documentation to show progress and we design our approach to reinforce academic skills being learned in school and specific areas parents want to improve on such as cognitive skills,” Professor Lee says. “Besides offering solutions for social skills and communication we hope to nurture a love of music.”

The conservatory also provides adaptive music lessons taught by specially trained music educators in various instruments. The Music Therapy program is available for all ages.  For more information and to take a tour of the facility please call 305-442-2283 or e-mail the conservatory at info@mcofm.org. 

Miami Conservatory of Music is at 2911 Grand Avenue.
miamiconservatoryofmusic.com / 305-442-2282.