The first time we were introduced to music therapy was shortly after Liam was diagnosed with autism. I had joined a ton of mommy groups on Facebook and someone shared an article that Lowcountry Autism Foundation was hosting a music therapy session for FREE. I had no clue what it was, but figured it would be great to get around a group of moms with children similar to Liam.
My assumption, naturally, was that music would be involved. Hence the name...music therapy. But music therapy is much more than just playing instruments.
Music therapy is a clinical form of intervention to accomplish an individualized goal by applying and incorporating therapeutic practices while playing music. It's different, but has been proven to be effective. This year would make two years that Liam has been in music therapy.
The first group session we attended was with a group of ten other kids. I remember walking into the room, filling out a name tag for myself and Liam, and joining the other moms as we waited for the session to begin. I believe the moms could sense my nervousness and they warmly welcomed me into their conversations.
One mom asked about Liam and how long since he was diagnosed. When I told her that he was diagnosed less than a month ago, she started throwing out a ton of things I had no clue about.
I remember her asking have I registered with DDSN, or LAF, or if I got a case worker yet. I didn't know what any of those things were. After Liam was diagnosed, we were just handed a brochure and sent on our way. No one really told us what to do next or what organizations to contact. I think I assumed someone would reach out and tell us what to do next.
That poor mom had no clue that under the surface I was a hot mess. Truthfully, I was still processing and accepting Liam's autism diagnosis. I think her asking me all those questions and throwing out things that were completely foreign to me made me realize just how far behind we were in getting Liam the necessary resources he needed.
Despite my hardest effort to fit in, smile, and nod...I began to break down and cry.
I appreciate how supportive those moms were. If anyone understood what I was feeling at that time...they did. I didn't feel judged, embarrassed, or silly for crying. I actually felt like I could finally release the pent up anxiety I had been holding onto.
Even though I was overwhelmed, I'm thankful of this woman for mentioning these things to me. As soon as I got home I was able to research them and see if we were eligible for any assistance.
Liam's first music therapy session was as I expected. It was new for me and him so we observed more than participated. The instructor utilized a few instruments like cymbals and clackers to help the group introduce themselves. I remember Liam shaking his cymbals as he stated what his name was to the group. Or when they used the clackers to recite their ABCs.
Liam has always been musically inclined from a very young age. I knew that I wanted to get him involved in music, but my main concern was finding an instructor that would understand his special needs. So, I signed him up for music therapy.
With the help of a few scholarships and grants, we were awarded funding to pay for music therapy services. Unfortunately, music therapy isn't a clinical service that most health insurances are willing to cover.
I am thankful to Palmetto Music Therapy for all of the work they've done with Liam these last couple of years. It has helped to build Liam's confidence socially. It has helped him incorporate math, reading, and writing with music. And also, it has helped him strengthen his fine motor skills.
Liam's therapist took note to how talented he was and began teaching Liam to play different songs. Liam caught on quickly. Music therapy has allowed Liam the space achieve personal goals while also learning more about music too. Through music therapy he's learned to play the keyboard, ukulele, and xylophone.
Music therapy may be a bit unorthodox, but consider it this way; we all have a unique way of learning and working towards a goal. For some, like Liam, music has been the way.
Walks of Motherhood