Often people with developmental delay and learning disabilities such as Down's Syndrome will respond to music. The response may range from a blink or a smile to vocalisation, singing or dancing. Music therapy can offer opportunities for response and expression to children and adults with developmental delays.
Music therapy can respond to existing abilities and minimise limitation.
People with limited or no vocal sounds can be encouraged to play instruments as a means of expression and communication. Group settings are usually used in this instance. Children with a severe developmental delay can use their vocalisations, breathing rate, heart rate or blinking to communicate. The music therapist can reflect client's sounds in their music or play music in time with the client's breathing or heart rate. Playing musical instruments and singing are simple ways to demonstrate ability regardless of the sound created.