Miss-Delectable
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MLive.com: Everything Michigan
Quinn was born with his skull fused at birth, leaving no room for his growing brain to expand. He had surgery on his skull 10 months later. His mother, Shannon Swor of Fenton Township, later discovered not only could her son not hear but he also showed autistic behavior patterns.
Wilfong, who started the music therapy program at Linden Academy of Dance & Music in September, said the program is also designed to meet clients' non-musical needs. Through the use of instruments, she is able to help Quinn's attention span, fine motor skills and bilateral movement of both hands. She also is trying to improve his cognitive abilities by learning to understand the theoretical concepts of music and rhythm.
Although he can't hear the sounds he is making, he can feel the music.
Quinn is careful about getting to know strangers, but he immediately felt a connection to Wilfong, who was able to help him find his creative flair.
"He really clicks with Jody because she is a very positive person," Swor said. "He decides if he likes people by reading their body language. There are some people he sees all the time but he doesn't connect with them."
Bill and Shannon Swor see a difference since Quinn started taking music therapy.
"He has a feeling of pride now," said Bill Swor. "He's been a lot happier, and it has had a positive impact on his life. I think he feels the vibration through the keys on the piano. The vibration soothes him."
Jill Flewelling, owner of Linden Academy of Dance & Music, said she is pleased with the success of the music therapy program since it was introduced to her music and dance school.
"I think children respond so naturally to music," Flewelling said. "It benefits their self esteem and it enhances the quality of life with movement and music."
Quinn, who hates crowds, doesn't mind the bustling building filled with children and adults taking regular music and dance classes. He's even been inspired write his own music.
"I don't know of anyone who would have the patience, interest, desire and follow-through to take on not just an autistic child but a deaf one as well, then tailor the program just for that kid," Bill Swor said. "Jody doesn't look at him as deaf or autistic. She just looks at him just as her student."
Quinn was born with his skull fused at birth, leaving no room for his growing brain to expand. He had surgery on his skull 10 months later. His mother, Shannon Swor of Fenton Township, later discovered not only could her son not hear but he also showed autistic behavior patterns.
Wilfong, who started the music therapy program at Linden Academy of Dance & Music in September, said the program is also designed to meet clients' non-musical needs. Through the use of instruments, she is able to help Quinn's attention span, fine motor skills and bilateral movement of both hands. She also is trying to improve his cognitive abilities by learning to understand the theoretical concepts of music and rhythm.
Although he can't hear the sounds he is making, he can feel the music.
Quinn is careful about getting to know strangers, but he immediately felt a connection to Wilfong, who was able to help him find his creative flair.
"He really clicks with Jody because she is a very positive person," Swor said. "He decides if he likes people by reading their body language. There are some people he sees all the time but he doesn't connect with them."
Bill and Shannon Swor see a difference since Quinn started taking music therapy.
"He has a feeling of pride now," said Bill Swor. "He's been a lot happier, and it has had a positive impact on his life. I think he feels the vibration through the keys on the piano. The vibration soothes him."
Jill Flewelling, owner of Linden Academy of Dance & Music, said she is pleased with the success of the music therapy program since it was introduced to her music and dance school.
"I think children respond so naturally to music," Flewelling said. "It benefits their self esteem and it enhances the quality of life with movement and music."
Quinn, who hates crowds, doesn't mind the bustling building filled with children and adults taking regular music and dance classes. He's even been inspired write his own music.
"I don't know of anyone who would have the patience, interest, desire and follow-through to take on not just an autistic child but a deaf one as well, then tailor the program just for that kid," Bill Swor said. "Jody doesn't look at him as deaf or autistic. She just looks at him just as her student."