As a parent of a child with special needs, it can often be tough to find the right kind of therapy that works best for them. One such technique that has shown great success for children with developmental disabilities and neurological disorders is Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). Within NMT, there is a particular technique called Symbolic Communication Through Music (SYCOM), which involves using music to communicate and express oneself. In this blog post, we will explore the foundations of SYCOM and how it can benefit children with special needs.
What is SYCOM?
SYCOM stands for Symbolic Communication Through Music.
SYCOM “is the use of musical performance exercises using structured instrumental or vocal improvisation to train communication behavior, language pragmatics, appropriate speech gestures, emotional communication in nonverbal language system, that is sensory structured, has strong affective saliency, and can simulate communication structures in social interaction patterns in real time” (Thaut 2005).
It is specifically helpful for individuals with neurological disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome.
How Does SYCOM Work?
SYCOM works by establishing a clear connection between music and meaning. In this technique, music is used as a tool for communication rather than just a form of entertainment. By utilizing different musical elements such as tempo, rhythm, harmony, and melody, SYCOM helps children with special needs communicate and express themselves more effectively.
Benefits of SYCOM
SYCOM is a powerful tool for children with special needs to help develop communication skills, social skills, and overall emotional well-being. Not only does it help in self-expression, but it also helps improve cognitive, sensory, and motor skills in children. The repetition of music allows for improved memory and organization of information and even helps with self-regulation.
How SYCOM Expresses Emotions
Music has always been known to be a trigger for emotions, and SYCOM works similarly. By carefully selecting different music elements, emotions can be expressed and understood without the need for words. This is a crucial aspect for children with developmental disabilities as they often face difficulty in expressing their emotions through conventional means.
SYCOM is an effective form of Neurologic Music Therapy that has shown immense benefits for children with special needs. By using music to communicate and express one’s own emotions, it helps children on a deeper level, improving their overall mental and emotional well-being. If you’re considering music therapy for your child, SYCOM is definitely a technique worth exploring!
