Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) is a non-invasive, music-based therapeutic approach for individuals with severe speech and language impairments. It was first developed in the 1980s, and has since been utilized in a variety of clinical settings. The purpose of MIT is to encourage the production of meaningful speech by combining musical elements with language and speech. This therapy is based on the notion that music can provide a structure for the organization of speech, and can be used to facilitate communication.
MIT is typically implemented in a one-to-one setting with a trained clinician, and consists of three main components: melodic intonation, rhythmic speech, and the use of musical instruments. During melodic intonation, the clinician uses their voice to sing simple melodies in a natural, relaxed tone. The melodies are typically repetitive and emphasize the intonation patterns of the patient’s native language. Rhythmic speech is used to encourage the patient to match the rhythm of the music, with the goal of increasing speech fluency and accuracy. Finally, the clinician may use musical instruments, such as a drum or xylophone, to further enhance the patient’s ability to imitate the rhythm and intonation of the music.
Overall, the goal of MIT is to foster meaningful communication in individuals with severe speech and language impairments. This therapy has been used with individuals with a variety of disorders, including aphasia, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and developmental disabilities. Research on MIT has found that it can be beneficial in improving the communication abilities of individuals with severe impairments. For example, a study by Fink et al. (2015) found that MIT led to significant improvements in communication skills among individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
In conclusion, Melodic Intonation Therapy is a non-invasive, music-based therapeutic approach for individuals with severe communication impairments. This therapy has been found to be beneficial in improving communication skills in individuals with a variety of disorders. Further research is needed to better understand the efficacy of MIT and its effects on communication outcomes.
References
Fink, N.B., Leonard, A.B., & Shriberg, L.D. (2015). Melodic intonation therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study. Topics in Language Disorders, 35(4), 316-326.
Kiran, S., & Kalaiah, M. (2015). Melodic intonation therapy: An effective approach for speech rehabilitation. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 17(2), 179-184.
Robbins, J. (2012). Melodic intonation therapy: A review of the research. Seminars in Speech and Language, 33(1), 49-59.