My nonverbal child can sing but can't speak. Why is this?

Many parents have reported that their nonverbal child with autism can sing but will not speak.  This was certainly the case with musical prodigy Logan Blade whose family describes him as nonverbal except when a microphone is put in his hand.  He now has two records that he has released on iTunes.  This is also...

My child has autism and does not speak.  What should I do?

If your child has autism and does not speak, you should consult with a speech-language pathologist regarding his/her treatment plan.  You may find a speech-language pathologist through ASHA ProFind or reach out to your local school district in writing regarding your concerns.

If you wish to screen your child's speech/language developmen...

What are research based melodies?   

The term research based melodies as it is used in M.B.C.T. refers specifically to the melodies tested in the original randomized controlled trial on M.B.C.T.

These melodies are available in our Level 1, Level 2, and First Signs apps as well as in the M.B.C.T. Therapy Kit. The melodies follow the general rule of one note per syllable and a different melody for each word.  Our supplemental apps meant for childre...

Can I give the ITSELF: P screener without parent input?

The  ITSELF: P is our quick communication screener app meant to allow parents, teachers, clinicians, pediatricians, etc. to quickly screen all areas of communication in preschool children based on current published normative data.

This app may be given by or with input from someone who knows the child well, such as a parent, teacher or family member.

You m...

Do you offer training classes in M.B.C.T.?  When/where is the next course?  Are they offered for continuing educational units?  Can parents attend?

A full-day intensive course in M.B.C.T. is offered through Ciao Seminars.  The first half of the course explores the literature and evidence behind M.B.C.T.  We specifically explore the evidence to support the use of M.B.C.T. for the nonverbal population with autism.  The second half of the co...

Is Melodic Based Communication Therapy Evidence Based Practice?

The most common definitions of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)  involve “the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient. It means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available exter...

My app has no sound. What should I do?

All of our apps will be muted if your side switch button is engaged.  Change the position of this switch to allow for the sound to play.  If this does not work, please contact us directly at [email protected] to report the problem.

Have you ever noticed a nonverbal child with autism humming or singing even in the presence of severe speech and language delays?  Did you know many children with autism have been shown to have "perfect" or "absolute" pitch?  See the blog post on evidence to learn more.

Who is Melodic Based Communication Therapy used for?

May I make changes or combine M.B.C.T. with another approach?

While M.B.C.T. includes 10 standardized steps that represent the 10 standardized steps used in the initial study, modifications within the clinical setting are recommended based on the needs of the child and the observations of the therapist or parent.  We discuss some potential modifications at the full-day course.  Some modifications that have been used by our providers are as follows:
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Have you ever noticed a nonverbal child with autism humming or singing even in the presence of severe speech and language delays?  Did you know many children with autism have been shown to have "perfect" or "absolute" pitch?  Melodic Based Communication Therapy is used to shape these vocalizations into spoken/meaningful words.  See the blog post on evidence to learn more.

What is Melodic Based Communica...