In the previous article of Listen2Learn, I focused on the use music therapy (MT) with children who have learning disabilities to help open neuropathways and stimulate the brain for learning.

In this article, the focus will be on how MT can help with the emotional difficulties faced by kids who face academic challenges. Young people with learning disabilities (LD) are vulnerable to emotional difficulties. Research shows that students with LD experience a higher incidence of mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. LD are the result of unique wiring in the brain's neural connections and the impact of this unique wiring can also result in a child who is highly compassionate and an exceptional emotional learner. However, the down side is that these children often struggle to regulate their emotions. Emotional regulation is needed to manage behavior and feelings. There are several factors involved in a student's emotional regulation and learning.

Neurological research has concluded that when we experience emotional feelings three things occur: activation of a small, almond-shaped set of neurons called the amygdala located deep in the brain; activation of our arousal system by neurotransmitters; and changes in physiology, such as an increased heart beat and respiratory rate. Students with LD show high levels of stress and anxiety coupled with low self-efficacy and low self-esteem causing a dysregulation of their emotions. When a student is anxious or stressed, their brain's fear system is repeatedly activated causing hyperarousal and leading to damage of the emotion centers of the brain and neural networks. Helping children to learn to manage their emotions is important for their academic success and has a lasting positive impact on their future.

Interestingly sound waves stimulate the central nervous system activating the emotional centers of the brain and even causing physiological reactions. Music therapy (MT) is an intervention that can be used to help children with LD learn to manage their emotions well.

Repeated poor emotional management does wire the brain to react negatively to life experiences. However, neuroplasticity gives us the opportunity to help a child rewire their brain and learn to regulate their emotions. Repeated application is needed to re-wire the brain and MT is an enjoyable, safe way to get the need repeated stimulus to rewire the brain for healthy emotional regulation. Researchers have successfully shown that music reduces anxiety, deceases arousal, increases attention, and lowers stress levels. In addition, healthy emotional regulation is connected with higher academic achievement and social skills.

For more information on Music Therapy, learning disabilities and emotional regulation, please call Wired2Learn at (208) 699-6232.