Serenade for the Soul Benefits of engaging in the arts

Arts programs offer a recreational and therapeutic outlet in a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. Here we share how visual arts, performing arts and music therapy develop motor skills, regulate emotions, encourage self-expression and boost confidence. If program costs seem prohibitive, there may be funding available to enroll your loved one in local programs.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Performing arts such as dance therapy encourage movement, balance and coordination. Dance programs can be tailored to accommodate a range of abilities while helping strengthen muscles, improve posture and enhance motor skills.

“Dance can be a great activity for people with cognitive or intellectual disorders, disabilities or injuries,” says Larisa Hall, founder and dance teacher at Tap Fever in Pacific Beach. According to Hall, here are some physical benefits of dance:

• Enhanced body awareness. Through various movements, children gain a better understanding of their bodies in space, leading to improved posture and spatial awareness.

• Increased flexibility and range of motion. Dance involve s stretching and bending exercises which improve flexibility and joint mobility.

• Physical therapy. Movements can be adapted to incorporate physical therapy exercises, making them more enjoyable for children.

• Improved motor skills. Dance helps with balance, coordination and strength. For individuals with ADHD, high-energy dance styles such as hip-hop or jazz help channel excess energy and improve focus.

Emotional Regulation

Music therapy can significantly boost the mental health of children by providing a safe and supportive space to process emotions and build resilience. Singing, playing instruments or simply listening to music can:

• Regulate emotions. Music releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, which can enhance mood and foster joy.

• Reduce feelings of stress. Music offers an alternative way to express feelings and connect with others, reducing feelings of anxiety or isolation.

• Promote relaxation. Slow, steady tempos and gentle melodies help regulate breathing, lower heart rate, and reduce blood pressure, creating a sense of calm.

“In the area of mental health and cognition, music therapy can help improve mood and enhance self-esteem,” says Angela Meier, board-certified neurologic music therapist and co-owner of The Music Therapy Center of California. “[Music therapy] can be an avenue where an individual with special needs can express emotions, connect verbally or non-verbally, participate together, and be included in a success-oriented environment.”

Self-Expression

For those who have difficulty communicating verbally, creating art provides a nonverbal way to express emotions, thoughts and ideas. According to Rady Children’s Hospital, the creative process of making art (art therapy) is healing and life-enhancing. Art therapists help participants use a variety of materials such as paint or clay to create a visual representation of their thoughts and emotions. For instance, someone on the Autism spectrum might find it easier to convey feelings through the use of colors and shapes. Music therapy also serves as an excellent tool for selfexpression because it, too, provides a nonverbal way to communicate thoughts and emotions. Music becomes a

universal language for those who struggle to use words or articulate feelings, providing an alternative form of expression. According to Dr. Barbara Reuer, founder of MusicWorx in Sorrento Valley, musical improvisation and instrument play allow students to develop self-expression and creativity in a safe environment. By channeling emotions through music, children can find their unique voice and feel empowered to share their stories in a meaningful and authentic way.

Confidence

Dance, music and visual arts foster a sense of accomplishment in an environment where children receive encouragement and positive feedback. All forms of arts programs can:

• Offer a safe space for creativity. Arts programs create a nonjudgmental environment to explore ideas without the fear of failure, encouraging creative risks.

• Foster a sense of accomplishment. Completing an art project, dance routine or creating music may provide a sense of achievement.

• Promote problem-solving skills. Creative challenges, such as figuring out how to mix colors or play a new note increases confidence in resilience and overcoming obstacles.

• Encourage personal growth. Children in arts programs often learn how practice and persistence lead to improvement, helping them understand their ability to grow and succeed.

Through creativity and self-expression, arts programs are a powerful tool for building selfesteem and empowering children to recognize their value and potential. v

Amanda Cavallari is a freelance writer residing in San Diego.

How to Get Funding

The San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) is a great place to look for arts program funding. If you are already a client of SDRC, connect with your caseworker about the possibility of having these services paid for. Sometimes there is funding available through social recreation or nonmedical therapy. Another option is to reach out to your child’s school district to see if they can assess your child for music therapy in order to meet IEP goals.