The Borneo Post

Karim: Exposure to music benefits autistic children

- By Sam Chua reporters@theborneop­ost.com

KUCHING: Repeated and prolonged exposure to music can improve the social behaviour and cognitive ability of children with autism.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said studies have shown that music can assist children and teenagers with autism spectrum issues in improving their social behaviour, body awareness and coordinati­on, as well as increasing focus and attention.

“Often individual­s with autism respond positively to music when little else is able to get their attention, which makes music a potential therapeuti­c tool,” he said when officiatin­g the Boulevard Charity Music Therapy Workshop at Boulevard Shopping Mall, here yesterday.

He also said the planned conversion of the old State Legislativ­e Assembly into a performing arts centre will commence next year, and hopes

Often individual­s with autism respond positively to music when little else is able to get their attention, which makes music a potential therapeuti­c tool.

the centre – upon completion – will attract those interested in arts, culture and music to perform there.

The Boulevard Charity Music Therapy Workshop is jointly organised by Boulevard Shopping Mall, Maestro Music School and Rotaract Club of SEGi College Sarawak, and supported by Abdul Karim’s ministry.

It aims to inform the public that music therapy can be a method to relieve stress.

Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports

 ??  ?? Abdul Karim presents a gift to a child from Kuching Autistic Associatio­n during the event yesterday.
Abdul Karim presents a gift to a child from Kuching Autistic Associatio­n during the event yesterday.

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