Symposium Explores Effect of Music Therapy on Autism

On Tuesday, neurobiologists, psychologists and parents will come together at Purchase College for a scientific symposium called The Autistic Mind, Music, and the Brain to discuss how music therapy can strike a chord in the brains of autistic children.

Purchase's School of Natural and Social Sciences and the Conservatory of Music are hosting the all-day event.

“It’s a special opportunity for anyone interested in either something about autism or about the use of music and creative arts as therapeutic intervention,” said Associate Professor of Psychology Chair at Purchase College, Ronnie Halperin, Ph.D.

Attendees will include a few social workers and psychologists, who will show how music like Mozart’s Requiem could help fill the void of emotion and expression that is common in many people with autism.

Music isn’t a cure-all for autism. However, the sounds and patterns found in all songs can help stimulate other parts of the brain as a form of language.

Peter Ohring, a faculty member at Purchase College, knows first hand how much music therapy can help children with autism. His son, Isaac, benefited from it.

When Isaac was very young, the Ohrings decided to incorporate nursery rhymes and simple tunes from the children’s show, Barney, into their daily routine. With some practice and hard work, Isaac was soon able to pick up different frequencies and patterns.

“The idea is that we have to help them with areas they need it in to encourage growth. My son was drawn in very early on when we would ask him to finish songs we started,” Ohring said.

Today, 16-year-old Isaac will prove as a model for success when he showcases his extensive training as a violinist in a performance at Tuesday’s symposium.

“Music is his portal to the community and serves as an opportunity to participate and interact in activities,” Ohring added.

Other guests and speakers include Northwestern University professor Nina Kraus and Celine Saulnier, clinical director of the Autism Program at the Yale Child Study Center.

With so many professionals from different disciplines visiting Purchase College for the symposium, Halperin hopes that the connection between different fields will help music to become more mainstream in the treatment of autism.

“It takes a long time for basic research to filter down into practice,” she said.

Symposium activities will last from 9:00 a.m-5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22 in the Music Recital Hall of the Music building at Purchase College in Purchase, NY. Call 914.251.6200 for more details.