Teaching Music to Students with Autism

Teaching Music to Students with Autism is a comprehensive practical guide for music educators who work with students with autism. Authors and veteran music educators Alice M. Hammel and Ryan M. Hourigan offer an approach centered in inclusion designed for music educators, music teacher educators, and all those who have an interest in the education of students with autism. In this second edition, the authors offer fully up-to-date information on the diagnosis of autism, advocating for students and music programs, and creating and maintaining a team-approach when working with colleagues. A significant portion of the book is focused on understanding the communication, cognition, behavior, sensory, and socialization challenges inherent in students with autism and ways to structure classroom experiences and learning opportunities for all students. A chapter of classroom snapshots (vignettes) written by teachers in the field of music education provides additional opportunities to transfer information to 'real life' situations. Finally, the book offers a chapter of print and web resources for further study.

Dr. Alice M. Hammel is on the music faculty of James Madison Universities. She is in high demand as a clinician and teacher throughout the United States and is widely published in the areas of music education, teacher education, and students with special needs. Dr. Hammel holds several concurrent leadership positions in the field of music education and is a multiple award recipient honoring her work in the field.
Dr. Ryan Hourigan is Professor of Music Education and the Director of the School of Music at Ball State University. He is also an advocate, teacher, clinician, and prolific publisher of research in the area of children with exceptionalities.

Chapter 1: What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Chapter 2: A Team Approach to Teaching Music to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 3: Understanding Communication and Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 4: Understanding Cognition and Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 5: Classroom Behavior and Students with Autism Chapter 6: Understanding the Socialization of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 7: Autism, Sensory Dysfunction, and Music Education Chapter 8: Advocacy for Students with Autism in Music Education Chapter 9: Classroom and Ensemble Snapshots of Teaching Music to Students with Autism Chapter 10: Music Teacher Education and Students with Autism Chapter 11: Resources for Music Teachers, Rachel Grimsby, PhD Index