NMTSA - Who We Serve

Who We Serve
Click a neurologic condition below for more information.

Autism
Cerebral Palsy
Down Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis
Spinal Cord Injury

Parkinson's Disease
Traumatic Brain Injury
Genetic Disorders
Stroke
Other Neurologic Impairments

Autism

Our Philosophy: Autism is a neurological disorder characterized by difficulties with communication, motor control, sensory processing, and social interaction. Autism causes the brain to develop connections differently which affects the way it processes and organizes information. These neurological differences affect the way an individual with autism moves, communicates, and interacts, which limits independence, impairs relationship, and decreases the ability to demonstrate competence.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. While each person with autism is unique and treatment is individualized, there are some common techniques. For example, movement paired with rhythm can help develop new sensory and motor brain connections, which improves body awareness and motor control, as well as eliminating nonfunctional motor behaviors. Singing, instrument playing, and other verbal/vocal exercises are often used to develop speech, language, and communication skills. By addressing autism at the brain level, NMT can positively affect the skills and abilities a person with autism needs to be independent, to meaningfully relate to others, and to truly demonstrate their competence.

Cerebral Palsy

Our Philosophy: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a movement disorder characterized by abnormal muscle tone, motor movement, and coordination. CP is generally caused by underdevelopment or trauma caused to the brain and its connections, which changes the way the brain functions. These neurological differences affect the way an individual with CP moves, communicates, and interacts, which decreases independence, hinders relationships, and limits the ability to demonstrate true competence.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. NMT treatment is individualized, however, there are some common techniques. For example, participating in movement exercises that are paired with rhythm can help a person with CP develop better movement patterns and build strength and endurance for better movement quality. Singing, instrument playing, and other exercises are often used to develop speech, language, and other communication abilities. Because the brain is changeable, addressing CP at the brain level with NMT can positively affect the outcomes a person with CP needs to be independent, to functionally relate to others, and to exhibit their true abilities.

Down Syndrome

Our Philosophy: Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder characterized by low muscle tone, motor delays, and speech/language difficulties. Down Syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome, which in turn alters physical and neurological development associated with that chromosome. These neurological differences alter the way a person with Down Syndrome moves, communicates, and relates to others, which limits independence, impairs relationship, and decreases their ability to demonstrate competence.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. While every individual with Down Syndrome is unique and treatment is individualized, there are some common techniques. For example, movement exercises that are paired with rhythm can help a person with Down Syndrome develop more functional motor movement, muscle tone, strength, and endurance for better quality movement. Vocal exercises are often used to develop speech, articulation, language skills, and communication skills. Because the brain is malleable, addressing Down Syndrome at the neurological level with NMT can impact a person with Down Syndrome to help them be more independent, to meaningfully relate to other people, and to realize their true potential.

Parkinson's Disease

Our Philosophy: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system characterized by impaired motor and speech skills. PD is caused by altered levels of a specific neurotransmitter (dopamine) in the brain, which decreases the amount of information that is sent to the motor areas of the brain, which in turn results in the motor differences seen in this disease. These neurological differences affect the way an individual with PD moves, communicates, and interacts, which limits overall independence, impairs relationships with others, and decreases functional skill performance in every day living.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. While each person with PD is unique and treatment is individualized, there are some common, evidence-based techniques. For example, gait training with rhythm can be used to develop/maintain more functional walking patterns, increased stability, etc. Singing and other vocal exercises can help develop and maintain quality and functionality of speech. Because PD originates in the brain, addressing the symptoms of PD at the neurological level most effectively addresses these needs, resulting in maintained independence and relationship.

NMTSA has launched a "Movement and Music" group for persons living with Parkinson's Disease. The program is specifically focused on exercises facilitated through music and instruments and is made possible by a grant recently awarded to NMTSA from the Genworth Foundation. Click here for more information about NMT and Parkinson's Disease and our Movement and Music group.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Our Philosophy: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is injured by some external force. Brain damage can be caused directly (damage at the point of impact) or indirectly (damage due to the body’s response to injury, such as pressure, loss of blood flow, etc). When a part of the brain is damaged, there is a resulting loss of function in that part of the brain. The resulting outcome is one of limited independence, impaired relationship, and decreased ability to perform to one’s fullest capacity.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. While each person with TBI is unique and treatment is individualized, there are some common techniques. For example, movement exercises and gait training with rhythm can be used to train more independent walking and movement patterns. Participating in various music interventions helps develop attention, processing, and other cognitive skills. Because the brain is continuously changeable, addressing TBI treatment at the brain level with NMT can positively affect the skills and abilities a person needs to be independent, to meaningfully relate to others, and to demonstrate their true ability.

Genetic Disorders

Our Philosophy: A genetic disorder is caused by abnormalities with specific genes or chromosomes, which in turn causes brain development to be altered in some way. These neurological differences can affect the way an individual moves, communicates, and interacts, which limits independence, impairs relationship, and decreases their ability to demonstrate competence.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. There are numerous genetic disorders, each with unique needs. However, there are some common areas often addressed with NMT techniques. Movement activities paired with music and rhythm can help facilitate improved movement control and movement quality. Singing and vocal exercises can help develop quality and functionality of speech, language, and communication. A genetic disorder originates at the brain level; therefore, NMT can positively affect the skills and abilities a person needs to be independent, to meaningfully relate to others, and to truly demonstrate their competence.

Multiple Sclerosis

Our Philosophy: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the covering (myelin) of the neurons in the brain and spinal cord is damaged, interrupting the ability of neurons to effectively communicate with one another. When certain parts of the brain are unable to fully connect to each other, the resulting outcome is one of limited independence, impaired relationship, and decreased functional skill performance in every day living.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. While each person with MS is unique and treatment is individualized, there are some common techniques. For example, movement training with rhythm can be used to develop/maintain more functional movement patterns. Vocal exercises can help develop quality and functionality of speech. Because MS originates in the nervous system, addressing the symptoms of MS at the neurological level most effectively addresses them, resulting in maintained independence.

Stroke

Our Philosophy: A stroke is a loss of certain brain functions due to disturbed blood supply to parts of the brain. This loss of blood supply can be caused by a blockage or leakage of blood flow within the brain. This sudden loss of blood supply causes damage to the neurons involved, which results in a loss of function controlled by those particular neurons. The resulting outcome is one of limited independence, impaired relationship, and decreased ability to demonstrate competence.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. While each person with a stroke is unique and each stroke is unique in itself, there are some common, research-based techniques. For example, gait training with rhythm can be used to train more independent and functional walking patterns, improved balance and stability, etc. Singing/vocal training protocols can help initiate speech and develop speech quality. Because a stroke originates in the brain, addressing the symptoms of a stroke at the neurological level most effectively addresses them, resulting in maintained or improved independence and relationship.

Spinal Cord Injury

Our Philosophy: A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the nerve roots (located in the spinal cord) are damaged by trauma or other causes (such as tumors, loss of blood supply, inflammation, etc). When a nerve root is damaged, none of the neurons or brain areas connected to that root receive the information that they need to function properly. Depending on the location of the injury, there may often be paralysis and/or loss of function involved. The resulting outcome is one of limited independence, impaired relationship, and decreased ability to perform at full capacity.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. There are some common NMT techniques utilized for individuals with SCI. For example, movement exercises paired with rhythm can help stimulate new motor movement as well as help develop and maintain motor ability. Because the nervous system is always developing and changing, addressing SCI treatment at the brain level with NMT can positively affect the skills and abilities a person needs to be independent, to meaningfully relate to others, and to effectively complete tasks of every day living.

Other Neurologic Impairments

Our Philosophy: There are a variety of other neurologic impairments for which NMT may be effective (ex:. Attention Deficit Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder). Neurological differences can affect the way an individual thinks, processes information, moves, communicates, and interacts, which limits independence, impairs relationship, and decreases their ability to demonstrate their true competence.

Our Approach: Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a research-based treatment approach that uses music and rhythm to change the way the brain functions. While each person is unique and treatment is individualized, there are some common techniques utilized in the treatment of persons with neurologic impairments. For example, movement exercises and gait training with rhythm can be used to train more independent walking and movement patterns. Participating in various music interventions helps develop attention, processing, and other cognitive skills. Because the brain is continuously changeable, addressing treatment at the brain level with NMT can positively affect the skills and abilities a person needs to be independent, to meaningfully relate to others, and to demonstrate their true ability.