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NASET’s Practical Teacher

A Timing Disruption in the Brain

Dyslexia, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Stuttering, Autism Spectrum Disorder

How Metronome and Music Can Help

By Matthew Glavach, Ph.D.

This issue of NASET’s Practical Teacher was written by Matthew Glavach, Ph.D. The author discusses research relating to a timing disruption in the brain where the rhythm of words does not match the rhythm of the brain. Included are activities that are easy and fun to help the brain connect and synchronize the body's internal clock. These include the use of music, synchronized metronome tapping, and clapping motions. Activities as simple as clapping hands and singing help the brain connect and synchronize. Researchers have observed that many children with learning disorders and learning delays struggle to keep a rhythmically repeating sound pattern, such as tapping and clapping to a beat. The timing disruption can manifest itself in children with dyslexia, learning disabilities, stuttering, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Researchers have found that children who recognize differences in rhythm patterns and tap and clap to a beat learn to read and spell more easily, have improved communication skills, and better attention to tasks. The following is some background about these conditions and how rhythm can help a timing disruption in the brain.