This book was first published in 1978 and was the first of its kind to analyze the effect of music therapy on the development of the autistic child. It contained detailed accounts of the music therapy techniques found to be effective with different types of autistic children, and illustrated these with case studies drawn from the author's original research. This new edition retains all the text of the first and adds three new chapters, reflecting the depth of research music therapy has received over the last ten years and its important position within the whole therapy of autistic children. Written by Auriel Warwick, a former student of Juliette Alvin, these chapters describe how parents can be involved with their autistic children in the therapeutic process, and illustrates the problems and rewards found in the musical and personal relationships which evolve.

Music's ability to influence emotions and moods is universally acknowledged, and music therapists have long known that stimulating the brain through the auditory system is a key to obtaining remarkable responses. Music therapy is a particularly effective tool when working with children with autism spectrum conditions, because music communicates with these children on a level where mere words cannot go. Written in a way that is both informative for the professional and accessible for parents, this book furthers the already strong case for the use of music therapy as a resource to encourage behavioural changes for the better in children with autism spectrum conditions. Placing particular emphasis upon sensory integration, the author discusses contributing factors to the behaviour of people on the autism spectrum, and, through the use of case studies, presents the latest approaches in music therapy that are enabling children with autism spectrum conditions to better cope with sensory integration.

Blackstock is autistic and an artistic savant. He creates visual lists of everything from wasps to hats to emergency vehicles to noisemakers. In the spirit of the Outsider art of Henry Darger and Howard Finster, Blackstock makes art that is stirring in its profusion and detail and inspiring in its simple beauty. He has never received formal artistic training, yet his renderings clearly and beguilingly show subtle differences and similarities�enabling the viewer to see, for example, the distinctive features of a dolly varden, a Pacific Coast steelhead cutthroat, and fourteen other types of trout. Each collection is lovingly captioned in Blackstock's unique hand with texts that reflect facts from his research as well as his passions and preferences. Blackstock's Collections contains over 100 extraordinary examples of his splendidly original taxonomy, offering a unique look inside the mind of a man making sense of life through art.

Music is an effective way to communication and learning for children with autism for two major reasons: It can create a consistent, stable and predictable environment and therefore bring comfort in unfamiliar or stressful settings. And at the same time, music can be infinitely flexible, changing from moment to moment, reflecting the child's behavior and emotions. This practical resource is organized around nine therapeutic characteristics that can be used to facilitate learning and communication. Each chapter contains background information as well as sample strategies. Separate chapters include hints for how to choose music therapy services as well as lists of equipment and resources.

This groundbreaking work is the story of three autistic individuals and how the power of music reached these supposedly unreachable souls. The author, a music therapist specializing in the field of autism, enters the world of Jerry, Scott, and Twyla through music and facilitative communication with astounding results. This book will challenge many assumptions about autism and movingly relate the capacity music has to break down barriers, uncovering a vast and beautiful inner world.

Was I alone, however, as I peered round the audience, in being unable to work out who was a patient and who was a nurse? Was the man who sat silent through King Lear, his slack jaw down on his chest, really asleep or just listening intently? Like Brian Cox, I can never forget as he asked the audience, 'Is there any cause in nature that make these hard hearts' to see beyond him, the rapt attention of the young woman who slowly shook her head in sympathy with the question. I suppose in Broadmoor, more than anywhere else, there must be faith that there can be an answer. -- From the foreword by Ian McKellen.

Creativity is about capturing those moments that make life worth living. The author's objective is to offer an understanding of what leads to these moments, be it the excitement of the artist at the easel or the scientist in the lab, so that knowledge can be used to enrich people's lives. Drawing on 100 interviews with exceptional people, from biologists and physicists to politicians and business leaders, poets and artists, as well as his 30 years of research on the subject, Csikszentmihalyi uses his famous theory to explore the creative process. He discusses such ideas as why creative individuals are often seen as selfish and arrogant, and why the tortured genius is largely a myth. Most important, he clearly explains why creativity needs to be cultivated and is necessary for the future of our country, if not the world.

Based on the belief that every child has a right to participate in a variety of art experiences appropriate to the child's needs and interests, this resource guide offers visual art activities developed specifically for children with autism, Asperger Syndrome and other pervasive developmental disorders who are served in a variety of settings. Focusing on the inherent strenghts and needs of children with these exceptionalities, the book stimulates the senses through manipulation and exploration, arouses curiosity and creativity and develops a sense of mastery. Activities are grouped by primary modality for ease of use. An introductory page to each activity gives background information about the sense, lists vocabulary and related concepts, basic objectives, and required materials. Easy-to-follow step-by-step procedures are illustrated by line drawings. Recommended for parents and educators alike.

Meet Adam - a young boy with AS. Adam invites young readers to learn about AS from his perspective. In this book, Adam helps children understand the difficulties faced by a child with AS; he tells them what AS is, what it feels like to have AS and how they can help children with AS by understanding their differences and appreciating their many talents. This book is ideally suited for boys and girls between 7 and 15 years old and also serves as an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.

For everyone whose heart was touched by the movie Rain Man, here is the inspiring true story of an exceptional autistic savant whose musical gifts thrill audiences the world over. Ever since he was born-blind and weighing less than two pounds-Tony DeBlois has been defying the odds and wildly surpassing others' expectations. Diagnosed early on as autistic, at two years old his talent for music was revealed when he played "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on a toy piano. Going on to graduate with honors from the Berklee College of Music, today Tony leads an improvisational jazz ensemble and performs solo shows from Dublin to Taipei and even Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center. Some Kind of Genius weaves details of Tony's amazing musical accomplishments--he can play 20 instruments and his sixth CD, also titled Some Kind of Genius, is set to be released at the time of this book-with a fascinating look at savant syndrome, in which a person with certain developmental limitations exhibits brilliance in some other aspect of his life. Tony's fiercely devoted mother, Janice, also tells of her own crusade-not only for the rights of her son but on behalf of all those with special needs. Tony's story will hold special appeal for all who have seen him on the Today show and Entertainment Tonight; watched the Lifetime movie based on his life, Journey of the Heart; heard him in concert; or read about him in Dr. Darold Treffert's book Extraordinary People: Understanding Savant Syndrome.

Recent research has shown that art therapy can be particularly effective for children with autism and related communication disorders. The extensive range of symptoms experienced by autistic people makes them extremely individual in presentation, so any treatment used must be tailored to a range of varying needs. Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum presents a new model of practice, which primarily focuses on communication difficulties. The authors describe how negative behaviors and subsequent tension may be alleviated when the autistic child is involved in interactive art making with the therapist.

The nature of artistic creativity and its relationship with 'difference' has intrigued people for centuries. The Genesis of Artistic Creativity is a revealing exploration of the lives of 21 famous writers, philosophers, musicians and painters including George Orwell, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Andy Warhol and many others, in light of the recognized criteria for diagnosis of high-functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Having diagnosed hundreds of individuals with AS during his professional career, Professor Fitzgerald examines here the social behaviour, language, humour, and obsessive interests and routines that accompanied creative genius in the past four centuries. From Herman Melville's eccentric breakfast habits and Simone Weil's intense dislike of being touched by other people to Ludwig van Beethoven's inappropriate marriage proposals and Vincent van Gogh's inability to form satisfying relationships with others, the author offers compelling insights into the association between creativity and autism spectrum disorders. This celebration of artistic genius and AS will prove a fascinating read not only for professionals in the field of autism and AS, but for anyone interested in the sources of creativity and the arts.

Art leads the child in a positive direction and helps in the development of a positive self image. Art also helps to develop figure ground discrimination, concept development, spatial relationships, form discrimination, sequencing fine motor skills, eye contact, directionality, cause and effect, body in space, perceptual motor skills, tactile/kinesthetic awareness, attention span, pride in accomplishment, and an appreciation of beauty in the environment. "Art as I perceive it does not always result in "something to take home". When there is a finished product, it is for the pride of both the parent and child. The act of doing is for the enjoyment and development of the child alone." -- Toni Flowers

This completely updated and revised edition reflects the latest developments in the field of music therapy. Includes an introduction to the profession, guidelines for setting up a practice, new clinical applications, and helpful case studies - a must for students and professionals alike.

What interests Nick Hornby? Songs, songwriters, everything, compulsively, passionately. Here is his ultimate list of 31 all-time favorite songs. And here are his smart, funny, and very personal essays about them, written with all the love and care of a perfectly mastered mixed tape..."

The early, spontaneous art of young artists with autism tells a story, a narrative described in the language of visual structure and forms. Not only do these artists inform us of their world in their images, they tell us of our own visual possibilities and meaning-making capacities, too.

Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) benefit from a positive, affirming support of their individuality. This forward-looking book focuses on building individual strengths and resilience, rather than modifying perceived weaknesses, through individualized therapy within a group context. Integrating psychological and educational theory with a variety of creative therapies, Judith Martinovich combines activities such as art making, drama, music, puppetry, yoga and photography with conventional cognitive-behavioural interventions to support individuals with AS. The different activities complement and reinforce each other and are designed to address specific traits of the autism spectrum to aid skills development. Although created primarily for use with adolescents and young adults, the practical and versatile activities can be adapted for different age and skill levels, objectives and settings. Informed by contemporary research, they meet the objectives of a framework of principles drawn from Positive Psychology and Social and Emotional Learning. Creative Expressive Activities and Asperger's Syndrome is a comprehensive resource for parents as well as teachers, social workers, psychologists and arts therapists who wish to link therapeutic goals with creative activities for people with or without Asperger's Syndrome.

Derek Paravicini is blind, can't tell his right hand from his left and needs round-the-clock care. But he has an extremely rare gift -- he is a musical prodigy with perfect pitch whose piano-playing has thrilled audiences at venues from Ronnie Scott's to Las Vegas, the Barbican to Buckingham Palace. Born prematurely, Derek remained in hospital for three months and technically 'died' several times before he was finally strong enough to go home. It was not long before his blindness became apparent and later it became clear that he had severe learning difficulties and autism. Desperately trying to find something to engage and stimulate baby Derek, his nanny discovered a toy organ and put it down in front of him. Miraculously, Derek taught himself to play. Music proved to be an outlet for expressing himself and communicating with others -- his way of dealing with a strange and confusing world.

In Interactive Music Therapy -- A Positive Approach, Amelia Oldfield explains how her approach to music therapy sessions establishes a constructive musical dialogue with children that emphasises positive experiences -- these establish trust and allow feelings to be expressed through music. Describing the general benefits of this approach, the author also details its application for specific clinical groups including children with autistic spectrum disorders, relationship difficulties or physical disabilities. Individual chapters focus specifically on child development issues and in child and brief case studies throughout the text illustrate points of particular importance. This practical book will be of use to other clinicians and teachers working with children with a variety of needs, including children on the autism spectrum and children with learning disabilities. It is also of use to music therapy trainers, their students and academics whose interests include music therapy.

Roots of Musicality offers an accessible and original theoretical approach to a holistic music therapy based on the notion of musicality as an expression of self, with the power to energise, balance and harmonise. The author considers neuroscience and psychobiology to identify analogies with the potential of musical expression to bring about therapeutic change, as observed during his work with children with autistic spectrum and pervasive developmental disorders. Perret also explores the five elements -- earth, water, fire, air and space -- as means of connecting nature and human spirit. Taken together, these two approaches are instrumental in bridging the gap between music and life and fostering the expression and development of personal energy and spirit in a range of contexts, from arts therapy, music education, performance, and personal and spiritual growth. Roots of Musicality is a key text for music therapists, art therapists, sound healers, music teachers and musicians. It will be of particular interest to those using music therapy with children on the autism spectrum.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is increasingly being diagnosed in people of all ages, and this book demonstrates how art therapy can not only assist with diagnosis, but also provides a valuable means of helping to improve skills such as concentration and focus, boost self-esteem, and cope with impulsivity. Educational social skills art groups can help with understanding of AD/HD in addition to teaching strategies to relieve the symptoms. Art therapy is also important for alleviating feelings of isolation and confusion that may come with the diagnosis, and, as an ongoing process, it can be a useful tool for checking clients' progress from the initial assessment onwards. In the first part of her book, the author explores ways of using art therapy and of setting up art therapy groups. Her advice and practical suggestions will be useful to anyone with an interest in AD/HD. The later chapters offer therapists more detailed guidance on therapy sessions with clients with AD/HD. Practical and informative, and based on the author's long experience with art therapy and AD/HD, this will be a valuable book for therapists, mental health professionals, and people who live or work with AD/HD.

No one like Nadia has ever been known before. An autistic child who could scarcely communicate or understand, Nadia has mystified psychologists and art theorists by the astonishing drawing ability she began to exhibit at age three and a half. With only a few photographs and children's books as her inspiration, she drew animals - especially horses - in vigorous, highly sophisticated line, with an accomplished sense of perspective, proportion, and movement. Lorna Self, an educational psychologist, met Nadia at the Child Development Research Unit of the University of Nottingham. Recognizing Nadia as truly exceptional, Selfe prepared a single-case study, which is reprinted her along with more than one hundred of Nadia's drawings, made between ages three and a half and seven. This dramatic study will force us to reassess many established assumptions - about the measurement of intellect, the relationship between perception and learning, and the role of language in formulating concepts. It will be of particular interest to psychologists, artists, teachers, and parents of autistic children, as well as to all those fascinated by the uncharted areas of human intelligence.

Learning through play is a well-established principle that underpins much educational practice, yet it is often overlooked in association with children with autistic spectrum disorders. This book considers the ranging benefits of developing play and taking it into drama with these children. The authors demonstrate how to implement such approaches via a highly practical, structured developmental framework, within which participants may gradually learn to be creative. Based on extensive classroom practice, the authors discuss the psychology and pedagogy of autism in relation to play and drama and connect them to everyday learning situations using a wealth of examples. This accessible approach to play and drama can offer a powerful, memorable, integrating way forward for children with autistic spectrum disorders - and enjoyable, fun opportunities for teaching and learning. This book will interest teachers, therapists and parents wishing to promote more flexible, creative thinking in children with autistic spectrum disorders, and to enable them to participate more effectively in their social world.

Urville, the capital of a large island province, has a population of nearly 12 million, making it the one of the most significant cities in Europe. It is also entirely imaginary. Gilles Tréhin, an autistic man with exceptional creative talents and an obsession with large cities, conceived and developed Urville over the course of 20 years. He shares his vision in this beautifully illustrated guide to the city, which he renders convincingly real in nearly 300 drawings of different districts of Urville. He describes, in remarkable detail, the architectural styles of its individual buildings and provides historical, geographical, economic and cultural information. This includes historical figures and cultural anecdotes grounded in historical reality - Tréhin accounts for the effects of the Vichy regime, the Second World War and globalisation on his imagined city. This book offers fascinating evidence of and insight into the creative power of the autistic mind and will be of interest to people with autism and without.

It is no easy task to find a teaching technique that can truly change the course of a child with special needs. Thirty years ago, when Janet Tubbs began working with children who had low self-esteem and behavioral problems, she developed a successful program using art, music, and movement. Believing that unconventional children required unconventional therapies, she then took her program one step further--she applied it to children with Autism, AD/HD, and Asperger's Syndrome. Her innovative methods and strategies not only worked, but actually defied the experts. In this new book, Janet Tubbs has put together a powerful teaching tool to help parents, therapists, and teachers work with their children. The book is divided into four parts. Part One begins by introducing and explaining Janet's novel approach to teaching. Her goal is to balance the child's body, mind, and spirit through proven techniques. The next three parts provide a wide variety of exercises, activities, and games that are both fun and effective. Each is designed to reduce hyperactivity, increase and prolong focus, decrease anger, develop fine motor skills, or improve social and verbal skills. All are part of a program created to help these children relate to their environment without fear, anxiety, or discomfort. Just because a child may appear stubborn and difficult, doesn't mean that the child isn't intelligent, curious, or creative. With the right approach, such a child can be reached, taught, and, hopefully, started on the road to improvement. The daily lessons provided in this book may be just what you and your child have been waiting for.

Psychological research into the nature of creativity, ranging from solving everyday problems to geniuses such as Beethoven. Conversational writing style. For psychologists or the interested layperson.

Music therapists, as in medical and paramedical professions, have a rich diversity of approaches and methods, often developed with specific relevance to meet the needs of a certain client population. This book reflects the many components of such diversity, and is a thoroughly comprehensive guide to accessing and understanding the ideas, theory, research results and clinical outcomes that are the foundations of this field. Providing a detailed insight into the field of music therapy from an international perspective, this book enables the reader to see the complete picture of the multifaceted and fascinating world that is music therapy. This unique overview of the field of music therapy is accessible to professionals and the general public alike. The book comes with a CD and CD-ROM, which provide musical examples and a guide to further resources.

This colorful picture book was written and illustrated by a 9-year-old boy with pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). The author wrote this book using the literacy program Image-Making Within the Writing Process, an art-and-literature-based approach to writing in which children construct paper collages in order to generate story ideas. In these pages, the author has created an imaginative story based on a sequence of his vibrant collage images. The story is about a Blobshocker named Henry, who travels from outer space to Earth in order to find a more comfortable place to live.

The significance of art in human existence has long been a source of puzzlement, fascination, and mystery. In Neuropsychology of Art, Dahlia W. Zaidel explores the brain regions and neuronal systems that support artistic creativity, talent, and appreciation. Both the visual and musical arts are discussed against a neurological background. Evidence from the latest relevant brain research is presented and critically examined in an attempt to clarify the brain-art relationship, language processing and visuo-spatial perception. The consequences of perceptual problems in famous artists, along with data from autistic savants and established artists with brain damage as a result of unilateral stroke, dementia, or other neurological conditions, are brought into consideration and the effects of damage to specific regions of the brain explored. A major compilation of rare cases of artists with brain damage is provided and the cognitive abilities required for the neuropsychology of art reviewed. This book draws on interdisciplinary principles from the biology of art, brain evolution, anthropology, and the cinema through to the question of beauty, language, perception, and hemispheric specialization. It will be of interest to advanced students in neuropsychology, neuroscience and neurology, to clinicians and all researchers and scholars interested in the workings of the human brain.