Music may offer the occasion to provide social contact that a disability might normally prevent or make difficult. Since music can provide self-expression without having to rely on language, it is very useful in social situations for nonverbal individuals. Affective response to music may serve as communication for nonverbal individuals. Nonverbal behaviors may be a way for these individuals to communicate underlying emotions. Since music can serve as the carrier of nonverbal information, it is valuable in the emotional assessment of individuals with profound disabilities.
Music provides structure, and therefore direction, within the session and within the music itself.
Rhythm, an element of music, can organize behavior when it is predictable. Once behavior is organized, it becomes meaningful and not simply erratic. Music may also structure reality while clients are participating in it. In some cases, if clients are actively participating in this new reality, music participation may offer symptom relief. Music also has value in educational settings for individuals with profound disabilities.