How Music Therapy Supports Neurodivergent Individuals
Music therapy is a powerful and inclusive approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals.
Unlike traditional therapies that often rely heavily on verbal communication, music therapy provides an accessible and creative space for self-expression, emotional regulation, and social connection. Music — in all its forms — allows communication when words fall short, helping to bridge the gap between neurodivergent individuals and the world around them. For those whose ways of experiencing and processing the world differ from the neurotypical majority, music becomes a pathway for exploration, engagement, and connection, offering support in navigating environments that may otherwise feel challenging.
What is a neurodivergent profile ?
Neurodiversity refers to the variation in how human brains process, learn, and experience the world. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, each reflecting unique cognitive, sensory, and emotional profiles.
Common neurotypes include individuals with ADHD, autism, Tourette’s syndrome, and learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, DCD (developmental coordination disorder), and dyspraxia. The concept of neurodiversity is increasingly recognized to include other neurological conditions, including those acquired later in life through brain injury, stroke, or progressive conditions. Some psychiatric conditions may also be considered within a broader neurodiversity framework, particularly when they involve differences in cognition, emotional processing, or sensory experiences.
What, Why, How: Music Therapy and Neurodivergence
Music therapy is particularly effective in supporting neurodivergent individuals, as it provides alternative avenues for self-expression, communication, and social engagement. By adapting to each person’s strengths and needs, music therapy can enhance emotional, cognitive, sensory, and social functioning.
Common Neurodivergent Traits
Neurodivergent traits can manifest in many sensory, emotional, and cognitive ways — and they often come with unique strengths as well as challenges.
Sensory : Some individuals may have heightened sensitivity to, or a preference for, certain sensory stimuli. Repetitive behaviors or stimming are sometimes used to self-regulate and create comfort in stimulating environments.
Emotional Experiences: Emotional responses can be intense or change rapidly. Some neurodivergent people find it hard to identify or verbalize emotions, whereas others experience deep empathy but may express it differently than neurotypical expectations. Supportive strategies for emotional awareness and regulation can help regardless of how emotions are experienced.
Social Interaction: Social interaction can vary greatly among neurodivergent individuals. Differences in communication style, social cue interpretation, or comfort in social settings are common and reflect diverse ways of relating and connecting with others.
Cognitive Traits: Cognitive profiles can include challenges with planning, organization, or self-regulation, alongside notable strengths in focus, memory, and creativity. Many neurodivergent individuals demonstrate exceptional pattern recognition, attention to detail, or the ability to think outside conventional frameworks — skills that often foster innovation and unique insight.
Physical Traits: Some individuals may benefit from frequent movement or breaks to maintain focus and regulate energy levels.
It’s important to remember that these traits and strengths vary significantly from person to person and across neurotypes. Every neurodivergent individual has their own unique constellation of abilities, challenges, and ways of engaging with the world.
Why Music Therapy Is Used
Music therapy supports neurodivergent individuals by providing a flexible, non-verbal, and safe sensory environment. It can help to:
Support Sensory Integration: Using sound, rhythm, and movement to engage and regulate sensory experiences.
Regulate Emotions: Providing a safe outlet for expressing and managing emotions when words are hard to find.
Enhance Focus & Cognitive Skills: Strengthening attention, memory, and processing through engaging musical tasks.
Improve Communication: Encouraging verbal and non-verbal expression through rhythm, melody, and interaction.
Build Social Skills: Promoting turn-taking, cooperation, and shared connection in group or dyadic settings.
Boost Confidence: Fostering self-expression and a sense of achievement through creative music-making.
Support Motor Skills: Encouraging coordination and body awareness through instrument play and movement.
Interventions in Music Therapy for Neurodivergent Individuals
Music therapists utilize various interventions tailored to each individual’s profile. Some examples include:
Improvised Music-Making: Spontaneous play fosters authentic emotional expression without relying on words.
Songwriting: Encourages emotional processing, storytelling, and creative problem-solving.
Lyric Analysis: Supports reflection and discussion about emotions and personal experiences.
Music for Relaxation: Slow tempos and soothing melodies help regulate mood and reduce anxiety.
Rhythmic Entrainment: Synchronized rhythms, such as drumming, support emotional and self-regulation.
Movement in Music: Integrating physical movement with music aids body awareness, emotional release, and coordination.
Guided Music Listening: Listening to music with therapist-led discussion helps individuals connect with and understand their emotions.
Adaptive Music Lessons: Learning instruments or songs in a flexible, individualized way supports confidence, focus, and cognitive growth.
Conclusion
Music therapy offers a unique and effective way to support neurodivergent individuals. By providing a safe space for self-expression, emotional regulation, and social connection, music therapy can address sensory, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges — ultimately enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.
Every session is personalized, celebrating each person’s strengths and creating meaningful opportunities for growth and connection through music.
Olivia Maisel, MT-BC, MTA, NMTMusic Therapist – Board Certifiedoliviamaisel@gmail.com For more information or to schedule a session, please visit my website or contact me directly
