A mother attributes her son’s communication progress to the power of music therapy.
When a parent steps into the shower while their children are awake, they often brace for any number of unexpected scenarios upon returning. It’s a small window of time that can quickly spiral into chaos. However, when Olivia James asked her 10-year-old daughter Emma to keep an eye on her younger brother, she returned to find them engaged in an adorable musical duet, complete with a surprise appearance from their older sibling.
The sight of siblings sharing a sweet moment can bring joy to any mother, and Emma’s impressive singing skills might just land her a record deal one day. Yet, it’s the context surrounding her brother Max’s performance that has captured the hearts of many, leading to over 34 million views on the video she shared.
“I wouldn’t have known how to keep him entertained without her guitar. It’s her secret weapon,” she wrote. “This shows that music therapy is effective. Max is just 24 months old and has a vocabulary of only 12 words, all of which he has learned through songs and melodies.”
Max has Down Syndrome, and Olivia recounted to ABC News that medical professionals had indicated he might not start speaking until he was at least three. However, the influence of his sister has changed that trajectory dramatically.
Both Olivia and her husband are musicians, a love they’ve instilled in their children. Emma has been playing the guitar since she was three. Recently, she realized that when she strummed her guitar, Max began to sing along with her, uttering “happy”—his very first word. Thanks to Emma’s musical sessions at home, Max’s vocabulary has grown to an impressive dozen words.
In a heartfelt post on her social media, Olivia elaborated on the emotional significance of the song “You Are My Sunshine” to their family, beyond Max’s enjoyment of it. After undergoing heart surgery in Spring 2016, this song became Max’s anthem. The couple had been practicing it nightly before the operation, often singing it to him while cradling him. “After weeks of being in the hospital, we received special permission to bring a guitar in to soothe him, believing he could hear us even if he couldn’t respond,” Olivia shared. “The first time he moved was in response to the familiar tune and our voices. This song has since become very special to him.”
Olivia expressed, “It feels like he’s defying expectations. Thanks to Emma’s persistence with music therapy, we couldn’t be prouder of our kids.”
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In summary, the story highlights the transformative power of music therapy in aiding language development for children with special needs, showcasing the bond between siblings and the impact of family support.