Karim: Exposure to music benefits autistic children

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

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 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.