Piano by Paul Productions, Inc., Using Music to Fight Autism

04/24/2015

We have some openings for Piano, Voice and Clarinet lessons. Autism Spectrum Disorder children or adults welcome, as well as typical children. Minimum age is 3 years old. There is no cap on age. Call Paul Hammond at 256.206.6541. We love referrals, too. You can earn a bonus of $25 for every student you send to us. First month free. Tuition after first month is $70 per month.

04/24/2015

Why Music Therapy for
Individuals with ASD?
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use
of music interventions to accomplish individualized
goals within a therapeutic relationship by a
credentialed professional who has completed an
approved music therapy program (AMTA, 2005).
People of all ages, cultures, socioeconomic
backgrounds, and degrees of abilities respond to
aspects of music in daily life. The engaging nature
and accessibility of music often elicits positive
responses of individuals with ASD (Kern, 2014).
Researchers have discussed advanced music memory,
responsiveness, and aptitudes within this population;
more recent studies show that individuals with ASD
may have a heightened musical aptitude and
sensitivity to musical elements, yet similar skills of
music perception as compared to typically
developing peers (Heaton, 2005). While only a small
number of individuals with ASD are musical savants
(Treffert, 2012), all clients can benefit from music
therapy interventions.

American Music Theory Association

04/24/2015

What is ASD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a
neurodevelopmental disorder, currently affecting 1 in
68 individuals in the United States (CDC, 2014).
While the causes are still unclear, the DSM-5
describes the following two cores characteristics of
ASD: 1) deficits in social communication and social
interaction across multiple contexts, and 2) restricted,
repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and
activities. As there is presently no cure for ASD,
effective interventions such as music therapy are
crucial for individuals with ASD to maximize their
potential and lead fulfilled lives.

03/05/2015

Music therapy is an effective intervention for critically ill patients for such purposes as anxiety reduction and stress management. The therapy is readily accepted by patients and is an intervention patients thoroughly enjoy. The MAIT is one resource that nurses caring for critically ill patients can use to implement music therapy in clinical practice. Patients can be given the opportunity to select a musical tape they prefer and to negotiate with the nurse for uninterrupted music-listening periods. Allowing patients control over music selection and providing uninterrupted time for music listening gives the patients an enhanced sense of control in an environment that often controls them.

Copyright © 1999 by American Association of Critical Care Nurses

03/03/2015

The Autism-Alabama pancake event sponsored by Lindsay Lane Baptist was a roaring success! Thank you for your attendance.

11/04/2014

I'm speaking Saturday at the ASD Workshop in Huntsville at Faith Presbyterian Church, 5003 Whitesburg Drive SE if anyone is interested in learning more about Autism and Music Therapy. THe session begins at 3:30pm. Let me know if you wish to attend.

10/30/2014

The push is on to put the Music4Autism Studios in the ground. We need $250,000 to open the store. If you would like to donate, please send us a private message with the amount you would like to donate, and we will give you the information where to send the check. Make checks payable to Piano by Paul Productions, Inc. We are registered as a 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation in compliance with the IRS rules. Thank you for your donation.

10/30/2014

The following article can be found at http://autism.about.com/od/autismtherapy101/a/musictherapy.htm.

What is Music Therapy? Music is an acient form of communication, common to every human culture. It requires no verbal abilities, and it can be adappted to meet the needs and tastes of absolutely everyone. Music therapy is a well established technique for using musical interaction to help individuals with a wide range of cognitive and emotional challenges to improve their ability to function. By interacting with adults and children on the autism spectrum, musical therapists can build skills, lower anxiety and even develop new communication skills. It is important to note that music therapy is NOT the same as musical instruction. If your aim is to have your child build vocal or instrumental skills, you'll need to find an instructor instead of or in addition to a music therapist. Find more at the aforementioned article.

Music therapy is a well-established method for working with people on the autism spectrum. Is music therapy right for your child with autism?

02/05/2014

Capital needs campaign is on the upswing. We need $100,000 to open "Music4Autism Studios". If you can help us, please send check to: Piano by Paul Productions, Inc., 500 Elkton St. Suite D23, Athens, AL 35611. We submit to an annual audit. Thanks. Paul!

12/24/2013

Autism Awareness Ribbon

08/19/2013

Thank you for the gifts received this summer. If you would like to donate, simply send me your name and address and I will send you the CD named "Paid in Full". You can send back your donation. Thanks, Paul Hammond

05/09/2013

Little Luke, my 6 year old autistic piano student was the star of the show at the recital Tuesday night. He was so excited to be performing. He's just been taking 6 months and already playing songs. Can't wait what's in store for him in the future.