People have at least seven distinct intelligences. One of these intelligence areas is the musical area. Often people with special needs learn best through music because that part of the brain is an older part of the brain and less likely to be damaged from birth defects, accidents, etc. Enriched environments literally change the brain. Intelligence is not static.
Music therapy provides a way to enrich the educational environment of a student with special needs.
Singing and chanting relaxes students which puts them in the optimal state for language learning. The rhythms of sound have a powerful effect on cognition skills. For students with special needs, retention of cognitive skills may be more consistent when music therapy strategies are used. Memorizing songs and rhymes is a helpful step towards developing literacy skills. The rhythm and repetition of the texts of songs help students internalize the sounds and patterns of language.