Music therapy strikes a chord every time
What do you get when you cross an extraordinary woman who is passionate about seeing children reach their full potential, with an exceptional group of Salvationists dedicated to serving those in their community weary from the frustrations of Autism, and some well-deserved dollars from a generous State government? The answer is simple; you have the formula to an extremely successful and exciting music therapy program that is yielding results on so many fronts.
With Autism Awareness Day on Monday 2nd April what better time to raise awareness of this misunderstood condition and show how a group of people from the NSW Central Coast are fighting it head on with maracas, cymbals and drum sticks as their weapons of choice. For this group of children, teachers, parents and volunteers, music therapy holds many of the answers to their frustrations associated while living with Autism.
It all started when a local school teacher went to her Corps Officer with a request for help. She wondered if there was a way that her church, The Salvation Army Tuggerah Lakes, could provide some kind of diversion therapy or activity for a number of children with Autism in her school. Some simple suggestions were made but the corps officer. Captain Laithe Greenaway says, “I thought there had to be more we could do as a church in this community.”
This is when it started to get exciting.
It was at this time that the State Government was offering grants to organisations that could provide services to assist children with Autism. So in March 2011 the Wyong State Labour MP, David Harris, presented a $12, 000 cheque to The Salvation Army Tuggerah Lakes so they could start a music therapy group in their community.
Captain Greenaway and a group of willing Salvationists from his church were keen to show the love of Christ to people who so desperately needed a break due to the day to day grind of living with children inflicted by autism.
Enter Talitha Brown. Talitha is a qualified music therapist, from The Salvation Army Parramatta. She was looking for an avenue through The Salvation Army to offer her skills in music therapy. Captain Greenaway approached her about facilitating the music therapy group at The Salvation Army Tuggerah Lakes and before long Talitha was engaged on a regular basis to lead this group. For almost a year now Talitha has been travelling up from Sydney to Tuggerah Lakes once a week to facilitate a number of groups that meet at The Salvation Army. There are three High School groups and one Primary School group that meet at the church every Tuesday during school hours, accompanied by their teachers. They also offer an after-school group for pre-schoolers and individuals to access. Talitha says “With anything from five to eight students in each group we are currently engaged with approximately 35 children, the majority of them being boys.”
Each music therapy session goes between 30-60 minutes and is case managed depending on the children’s needs at the time. During this time the children get to use a variety of instruments, sing, and listen to lots of different music. Talitha says “Most people like music of some kind and for these children who find it so hard to verbally interact in a social setting the music is communication without words. During our sessions they learn to listen to music and listen to each other.” The program is proving to be a success with parents testifying to the changes they see in their child’s behaviour. The children are beginning to verbalise and have found a “key” to unlock their frustrations creating a sense of calmness.
The church members assisting with the music therapy group have a vital role to play. Captain Greenaway says “Our corps members are thrilled to be of service. They feel good knowing they can help.”
You see this is not just a program for children with autism to improve their communication and social skills. This is also an outlet for their parents, a place where they can receive support. Knowing that they are not alone, that they can have an adult conversation and interaction, that they have a place where they can share their burdens and experiences, where they can get a time of respite (even if just for an hour) means so much to them. Talitha says “The parents are so touched when they see people in the community other than teachers and family, caring for and loving their children… they see that at The Salvation Army.” The helpers are building a lovely rapport with these children and their families. It’s good for the children to see the familiar, non-judging faces of their “Salvo friends” when they’re out and about around town.
When asked about ongoing funding Captain Greenaway said “We’re not sure about that, but if we don’t get any more we’ll fund it ourselves another way. It’s too good not to do it.”As far as the mums are concerned, according to Talitha, if their boys can beat the bejeebers out of a drum for an hour while they have a cuppa, take time to re-group so they can carry on for another week, then it’s a really good thing.
This is really “One Army One Mission” in action. A Salvationist teacher in the community, a willing corps ready to serve, an excellent corps facility available to use, a skilled Salvationist from another community with a desire to see lives transformed. The formula is really “too easy”, but it’s one that God is blessing abundantly.
Report by Major Carolyn Harmer
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