A-Z List


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Goals and Methodologies

Compiled by Brad Nadeau - December 7, 1999


Problem Areas for Clients

Attention

  • short attention span
  • easy distractibility/lack of attention/focus
  • inattention/non-compliance
  • attention-demanding behavior

Music therapy goals for targeting these problem areas

  • increase attention span
  • decrease distractability

Music Therapy methods used for treatment

  • group singing
  • playing musical instruments
  • music discussion groups
  • dance and movement to music
  • music listening
  • musical games, action songs, composing music

Problem Areas for Clients

Social Behavior

  • poor impulse control
  • disorderliness
  • disorganization
  • antisocial behavior
  • immaturity
  • social aggressiveness
  • unpredicyable mood swings
  • excessive irritability or anger
  • low frustration tolerance
  • tantrums

Music therapy goals for targeting these problem areas

  • develop social skills
  • learn positive coping strategies
  • learn to interact cooperatively and appropriately with others

Music Therapy methods used for treatment

  • group singing
  • performing in ensembles
  • dancing
  • musical games
  • Example: use of ISO Principle as a coping strategy to change mood

Problem Areas for Clients

Academic Behavior

  • uneven academic development
  • perceptual difficulties

Music therapy goals for targeting these problem areas

  • develop communication skills

Music Therapy methods used for treatment

  • group singing
  • songwriting activities
  • music discussion groups

Problem Areas for Clients

Physical Problems

  • physical coordination problems
  • poor self-concept

Music therapy goals for targeting these problem areas

  • improving self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem/decreasing self-absorption
  • increase self-awareness

Music Therapy methods used for treatment

  • songwriting activities
  • rhythmic activities
  • play therapy with background music
  • creative arts activities in which music is integrated with dance, movement, art and drama activities
  • Example: musical puppet dramas

Problem Areas for Clients
  • short attention span
  • easy distractibility/lack of attention focus
  • inattention/non-compliance
  • attention-demanding behavior
  • poor impulse control
  • disorderliness
  • disorganization
  • antisocial behavior
  • immaturity
  • social aggressiveness
  • uneven academic development
  • perceptual difficulties
  • physical coordination problems
  • poor self-concept
  • unpredictable mood swings
  • excessive irritability or anger
  • low frustration tolerance
  • tantrums

Music therapy goals for targeting these problem areas
  • increase attention span
  • develop communication skills
  • develop social skills
  • improving self-concept and self esteem/decreasing self-absorption
  • learn positive coping strategies
  • develop self-control in dealing with fear and frustration
  • learn to predict consequences of behavior
  • learn to interact cooperatively and appropriately with others
  • increase self-awareness

Music Therapy methods used for treatment
  • playing musical instruments
  • moving to music
  • creating music
  • group singing
  • music discussion groups
  • songwriting activities
  • rhythmic activities
  • instrumental ensembles
  • play therapy with background music
  • vocal dynamics groups
  • creative arts activities in which music is integrated with dance, movement, art and drama activities