What is Music Therapy?
How Music Therapy Supports Children with Sensory Needs
Music has always been a powerful way for people to express themselves, connect, and communicate. Today, music therapy is a well-established, evidence-based practice used across hospitals, schools, early intervention settings, aged-care facilities, and community programs. It can support emotional well-being, social development, communication, and sensory regulation for people of all ages.
In this article, we break down what music therapy is, how it works, and how it can benefit children with sensory processing challenges or additional needs.
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a clinical, research-supported therapy delivered by a qualified music therapist who has completed an accredited university program. Therapists use music intentionally — not just for entertainment — to help individuals meet specific developmental, emotional, physical, or cognitive goals.
A music therapy session may include:
- Music improvisation
- Songwriting or lyric discussion
- Singing or vocal exercises
- Playing instruments
- Receptive music listening
- Music-based movementactivities
- Music and imagery
- Learning through rhythm, melody, or repetition
Therapists carefully assess a person's strengths and needs, then design sessions tailored to support their communication, social interaction, emotional expression, motor skills, or sensory regulation.
Music therapy can benefit a wide range of challenges, including mental health, dementia care, rehabilitation, paediatrics, disability support, and pain management.
Who Can Benefit From Music Therapy?
Music therapy can support children, teenagers, adults, and older people, including those with:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Developmental delays
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress
- Dementia or memory changes
- Brain injuries
- Physical disabilities
- Chronic pain
- Learning differences
But you don't need a diagnosis to benefit. Anyone who responds to music — which is most of us — can find joy, confidence, and connection through music therapy.
Music also creates opportunities for families to work together. Joint music sessions can strengthen relationships, build shared routines, and make positive, meaningful interactions.
What Does the Research Say About Music Therapy?
Music therapy has been widely researched, with studies showing benefits in areas such as:
- emotional regulation
- communication development
- social connection
- speech clarity and confidence
- cognitive attention and memory
- motor planning and coordination
- reduced need for medications in some settings
- increased relaxation and overall well-being
Hospitals, early childhood centres, aged-care facilities, and rehabilitation programs worldwide now use music therapy as part of holistic care plans. It is particularly valuable for people who may struggle to express themselves verbally or who benefit from multi-sensory learning experiences.
How Music Therapy Supports Children With Sensory Processing Challenges
Many children with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, or Sensory Processing Disorder experience differences in the way they interpret sounds, movement, touch, and body signals. Music therapy can be a highly effective and enjoyable supportbecause it works with their sensory system rather than against it.
Here are some key benefits:
1. A Fun, Low-Pressure Environment
Children often see music as play — not therapy — which increases engagement and reduces stress, making it easier for them to participate, explore, and learn new skills.
2. Supporting Social Interaction
Music therapy naturally encourages:
- turn-taking (e.g., passing or tapping instruments)
- shared attention
- eye contact
- imitation (e.g., copying rhythms or clapping patterns)
These skills form the foundation of social communication.
3. Encouraging Communication and Speech
Many children with sensory processing challenges find verbal communication difficult. Music therapy can support speech development by:
- using rhythm to support timing and pacing
- encouraging vocal play
- practising simple lyrics or repetitive sounds
- pairing music with visual cues
It's common for some autistic children to sing before they speak. Music therapists build on this strength to help develop meaningful verbal expression.
4. Supporting Motor Skills and Body Awareness
Music-based movement helps children practise:
- coordination
- balance
- spatial awareness
- rhythm and timing
- fine and gross motor skills
Activities like marching, jumping, tapping, or dancing to music can strengthen motor planning — all while staying fun and engaging.
5. Reducing Anxiety and Supporting Emotional Regulation
Music can gently regulate arousal levels. Slow rhythms can calm the nervous system, while upbeat music can increase alertness when needed.
For many children, music becomes a safe way to express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
A Holistic Approach: Music Therapy and Sensory Needs
Music therapy is often most effective when combined with other supports, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or sensory-based strategies.
Because music stimulates multiple parts of the brain at once, it can help integrate new skills and strengthen neural pathways. Over time, this can improve a child's ability to self-regulate, communicate, and participate in daily routines.
Most importantly, music therapy celebrates each child's strengths. It meets them exactly where they are and helps them express their potential in a joyful, accessible way.
Music Therapy for Connection
Music therapy is a potent tool for supporting children with sensory processing challenges and additional needs. It offers a warm, engaging pathway for developing communication, motor skills, emotional regulation, and confidence — all through the universal language of music.
Whether used on its own or alongside other therapies, music therapy can open doors for learning, connection, and self-expression. It shows us what is possible when we combine evidence-based support with creativity, joy, and compassion.
References
Australian Music Therapy Association
World Federation of Music Therapy
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or treatment. While we aim to provide accurate information and personal insights to support our valued customers and community, we strongly advise consulting a Doctor, Psychologist, or other qualified medical professional.