One of the reasons I started the MTRB was to generate discussion about research. I am so excited that I was recently contacted by a researcher who’s article I featured on the blog. 

A few weeks ago we featured and article on Melodic Communication and ASD. I recently received correspondence from the lead author and permission to share this response with you. As you will see below, this communication provides additional insight to the researcher’s thoughts about their research and my review. You will notice that there is a link to an example of the intervention, which is a great addition to the article. Thank you, Dr. Sandiford for contacting the MTRB!

Dear Blythe L.,

Thank you for your recent review of Melodic Based Communication
Therapy (MBCT) and our first paper on the subject. You pointed out a
very interesting point concerning the melodies not being available for
further review. The melodies are available on a Melodic Based
Communication Therapy app on the iTunes store which was made available
at the request of a parent who read the article (in the event that you
would wish to listen to them). A sample of the therapy was uploaded to
youtube recently http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u67iqdtT_E if you
wish to see an example of the intervention. You posed an interesting
question regarding the lack of rhythmic clapping in the traditional
group. It would be an interesting study to determine if the simple
addition of rhythm to spoken language tasks would increased the
likelihood that individuals with autism who had previously been
identified as nonverbal would speak. However for the purposes of this
study we sought to compare the new methods of MBCT to the traditional
methods used in speech therapy. Thank you again for your review of
MBCT. I have long believed in the power of music to help the child
with autism and am fascinated by music therapy as a profession. Please
feel free to correspond with me further should you have any additional
questions or suggestions.

Best wishes for your future success,
G. A. Sandiford, Ph.D.,CCC/SLP

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