Denie Riggs has written Music Helps Autism after teaching piano for nearly 50 years, as well as creating Early Childhood Music, a Christian, non-traditional approach to the piano, and Music4Me, a music program for children with special needs. Riggs has successfully taught many students with autism with astounding musical and non-musical benefits. In Music Helps Autism, Riggs shares her techniques, tips and ideas to encourage parents, teachers and other professionals to transform the lives of those around them. Your hope will be reborn as Music Helps Autism gives you tools to begin to apply the incredible power of music to your child’s life with a multifaceted approach that works.
Table of Contents:
Preface
Introduction
About this Book
Part 1: The Incredible Music Research
Chapter 1: The Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chapter 2: The Amazing-ness of Music
Part 2: Four Levels of Musical Participation
Chapter 3: Level 1: Listening Therapy
Chapter 4: Level 2: Singing Therapy
Chapter 5: Level 3: Movement with Musical Instruments
Chapter 6: Level 4: Piano Therapy
Part 3: Curriculum and Practical Application
Chapter 7: Prenatal Babies: Curriculum and Application
Chapter 8: Babies: Curriculum and Application Tips
Chapter 9: Preschool: Curriculum and Application Tips
Chapter 10: School-Age: Curriculum and Application Tips
Chapter 11: Summing Up – Make time to Stay Musical
Part 4: Appendix for Teachers
Part 5: Resources
About the Author
Endorsements
Acknowledgments
Contributors
Works Cited
Endorsements:
I believe that music has helped my son in language development, social skills, behavior regulation, reading skills, self-determination and confidence. Early Childhood Music has paved the way and given the tools for my son to be able to venture out of his own world into a world that he can contribute to and be successful in.
Renee, a Music4Me parent
Our son was born 13 weeks premature which resulted in several medical and neurodevelopmental issues. We began Early Childhood Music at age 4 years, and it worked for him! He now performs original classical pieces at the piano and maintains good grades.
Lisa, a Music4Me parent
I think Early Childhood Music was the one contributing factor that helped my grandson the most in dealing with other people and most definitely helped him in school.
Ellen, a Music4Me parent
About the Author:
Denie Riggs has been a pianist since age 3 years and has been teaching piano for nearly 50 years. She has successfully taught blind students and those with severe mental and physical handicaps, including Asperger’s syndrome, Down syndrome and autism. Denie and her husband, Michael, reside in Huntsville, Alabama, where they administrate an Early childhood Music – Give Them the Best Start school affecting nearly 300 students weekly. They have five children and si
