The results of the research carried out so far show that a systematically planned listening program stimulates different parts of the brain and enables their synchronic interaction. It also stimulates and improves certain thinking functions and processes in the brain, which are connected to some cognitive abilities which may seem unrelated. These results encouraged us to study if music activities with the emphasis on systematically planned listening programme help a child with autism spectrum disorder and with moderate mental retaedation to reduce, overcome or ever beat fear of some activities and objects, as well as if they help him to develop his communication skills and abilities to direct his attention.
The theoretical part of the specialist thesis deals with the theoretical basis of our research in the field of music therapy, in other words to what extent music can help children with special needs. The basic method of music therapy and its studies, the method of listening. The Listening program and the children with special needs and difficulties are described in details.
The empirical part of the specialist thesis includes the qualitative research method of studying the case based on the model of action research, the time plan, the program of music contents, the research itself and the effects of a systematically planned listening program on a boy with the ASD and MMR diagnoses.
The results confirm that a systematically planned listening program reduces or ever beats fear of some activities and objects, helps to develop communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) and the abilities to direct the attention.
My specialist thesis shows the practical use of TLP methodology in our music therapy practice and its effects on children with ASD and MMR diagnoses in different institutions, such as day care centres, schools and kindergartens.
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