For individuals with ADHD and/or behavior disorders, music therapy provides a unique variety of music experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner to effect changes in behavior, increase on-task behavior and facilitate development of skills.

***Please note, this document was adapted from the AMTA Fact Sheet on “Music Therapy and Individuals with ADHD and/or Behavior Disorders”.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a well-established allied health profession similar to occupational and physical therapy. It consists of using music therapeutically to address behavioral, social, psychological, communicative, physical, sensory-motor, and/or cognitive functioning. Because music therapy is a powerful and nonthreatening medium, unique outcomes are possible. For individuals with ADHD and/or behavior disorders, music therapy provides a unique variety of music experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner to effect changes in behavior, increase on task behavior and facilitate development of skills. Music therapy may include the use of behavioral, biomedical, developmental, educational, humanistic, adaptive music instruction, and/or other models. Music therapy enhances one’s quality of life, involving relationships between a qualified music therapist and individual; between one individual and another; between the individual and his/her family; and between the music and the participants. These relationships are structured and adapted through the elements of music to create a positive environment and set the occasion for successful growth.

Why Music Therapy for Individuals with ADHD and/or Behavior Disorders?

• The literature reports that individuals with ADHD and/or behavior disorders can respond positively to music (Rickson & Watkins, 2003; Wyatt, 2002; Wooten, 1992; Hong, Hussey, & Heng, 1998).
• The structure and sensory input inherent in music help to establish response and role expectations, positive interactions, and organization.
• Music is a very basic human response, spanning all degrees of ability/disability. Music therapists are able to meet clients at their own levels and allow them to grow from there. The malleability of music makes it a medium that can be adapted to meet the needs of each individual.
• Music is motivating and enjoyable.
• Music can promote relatedness, relaxation, learning, and self-expression.
• Music therapy addresses multiple developmental issues simultaneously.
• Music therapy can provide success-oriented opportunities for achievement and mastery.

What Does The Research Say?

• “A music therapy program might help increase adolescents’ awareness of the existence and feeling of others and to assist in the development of positive relationships with peers” (Rickson & Watkins, 2003, pg. 298)
• Wooten (1992) found that after listening to heavy metal music, adolescents in a psychiatric facility were found to have a significant increase in positive affect.
• “Live music making delineates clear outlines for behavioral expectations. When a child can execute tasks independently, this indicates increased ability to internalize structure. More sophisticated tasks require more control over impulses. Skill building allows the child to reprocess negative experiences in a way that promotes a healthier identity” (Hong, Hussey & Heng, 1998, pg. 64).
• Other benefits of music therapy with children with ADHD and/or behavior disorders:
  • Improved communication (Lindecker, 1954*)
  • Increased social and cognitive functioning (Wayne, 1944*)
  • Decreased tension (Lindecker, 1954*)
  • Decreased anxiety (Cooke, 1969*)
  • Increased frustration tolerance (Crocker, 1968*)
  • Appropriate expression of emotions (Wheeler, 1987*)
  • Increased focus to task (Wilson, 1976*)
  • Decreased disruptive behaviors (Wilson, 1976*)
  • Increased self-esteem (Michel & Farell, 1973*)

* As cited in (Hong, Hussey, & Heng, 1998)

How Does Music Therapy Make a Difference for Individuals with ADHD and/or Behavior Disorders?

Individuals with diagnoses of ADHD may display “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity” and often manifest “in academic, occupational or social situations” (pg. 85). Individuals with diagnoses of Conduct Disorder may display “repetitive and persistent patterns of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated” and may display aggressive behaviors such as, “bullying, threatening or intimidating others” (Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV-TR, pp.93-94).

Music therapy can be effective in addressing the typical characteristics of ADHD and/or Behavior Disorders such as Conduct Disorder listed above in the following ways:

• Music is considered a “universal language” which provides bridges in a non-threatening setting between people and/or between individuals and their environment, facilitating relationships, learning, self-expression, and communication.
• Music captures and helps maintain attention. It is highly motivating and engaging and may be used as a natural “reinforcer” for desired responses. Music therapy can stimulate clients to reduce negative responses and increase participation in more appropriate and socially acceptable ways.
• Music therapy can enable those with limited language to communicate, participate and express themselves non-verbally. Very often music therapy also assists in the development of verbal communication, speech, and language skills.
• The interpersonal timing and reciprocity in shared play, turn-taking, listening and responding to another person are augmented in music therapy with children with ADHD and/or behavior disorders in order to accommodate and address appropriate social interactions.
• Music therapy allows individuals with ADHD and/or behavior disorders the opportunity to develop identification and appropriate expression of their emotions.
• Because music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for remediation of some speech/language skills.
• Music provides concrete, multi-sensory stimulation (auditory, visual, and tactile). As a result, auditory processing and other sensory-motor, perceptual/motor, gross and fine motor skills can be enhanced through music therapy.
• The rhythmic component of music provides an intrinsic structure to organize movements and participation as well as to create a supported environment. This in turn can foster participation and group cohesion.
• Musical elements and structures provide a sense of security and familiarity in the music therapy setting, encouraging clients to attempt new tasks within this predictable but malleable framework.
• Many people with diagnoses of ADHD and/or behavior disorders may have innate musical talents; thus, music therapy provides an opportunity for successful experiences. Emphasis is placed on strengths, which in turn may be utilized to address each individual’s areas of need.

What Do Music Therapists Do?

Music therapists work individually or in small groups, using a variety of music and techniques to engage children with ADHD and/or behavior disorders. They involve clients in singing, listening, moving, playing instruments, and creative activities in a systematic, prescribed manner to influence change in targeted responses or behaviors and help clients meet individual goals and objectives. They create a musical, familiar environment that encourages positive interpersonal interaction and allows clients freedom to explore and express themselves. They utilize music that is preferred by and reinforcing to clients and that is appropriate for ages, cultures, and environments in which the clients interact.

Music therapists are trained professionals who accept referrals, observe clients’ behavior and interactions, and assess their behavioral/psychosocial/emotional, communication/language, perceptual and sensory/motor, cognitive/academic, and musical skills. After designing realistic goals and target objectives to address identified needs, music therapists plan and implement music therapy treatment programs with strategies, procedures, and interventions to develop skills necessary to achieve an optimum level of success or quality of life. Music therapists document client responses, conduct ongoing evaluations of progress and performance, and make recommendations for future consideration.

Where Do Music Therapists Work?

Music therapists may provide service in the following settings: early intervention centers, Head Start programs, day care centers, preschools through high schools, day treatment centers, hospitals, hospices, clinics, rehabilitation centers, substance abuse facilities, mental health centers, group homes, sheltered workshops, long-term care facilities, correctional institutions, private homes, camps, community schools of the arts, music retailers, wellness centers, holistic treatment centers, private practice, and more.

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