Daniel Biskup Approx. 200 words
INTD 105
11/2/16
The paper I read focuses on the effect of singing on different disorders that cause speech-motor abnormalities. Overall the study suggests the continuous voicing of singing helps patients to apply it to speaking more easily. Neurologically the study also shows that singing engages both the left and right hemispheres of the brain while speaking seems to favor the right. Singing also engages muscle memory and may help those affected to apply that muscle memory to their singing. In cases of stuttering, fluency increases with the continuous action of singing as opposed to speaking. Brain imaging shows more activity during singing than speaking based therapy. In those who suffer from aphasia, or loss of motor function or comprehension of speaking due to stroke, brain repair and development was improved in the left hemisphere for those who were treated with singing compared to those treated with speaking. Parkinson’s patients often suffer from short, disconnected speech patterns. Those treated with singing could lengthen their speech and add a better rhythm. In autism, while there is limited studies on the effects, evidence on the effects of singing on the brain suggests that it can also aide in speech patterns for sufferers.