Music Therapy Clinical approaches when working with individuals with Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a genetic disorder resulting from an X-linked dominant mutation in MECP2 gene. It primarily affects females and is found in a variety of racial and ethnic groups worldwide with a versatile clinical phenotype. This chapter describes the authors musical and personal encounters with individuals with RTT and their families over many years with the aim of helping the reader to understand what lies behind those deep and penetrating eyes and behind the “screaming silence”. Through short vignettes, I will shed light on these girls’ inner capacity and demonstrate how music can help to bring them to life as well as motivate their families. Interactions in music therapy provide an opportunity to discover hidden resources that may not be readily accessed because of the disability. With each positive shift in musical interactions, the person can become empowered and experience new challenges that enhance growth.