Mom Attributes Musical Therapy to Her Son’s Speech Development
When a mom steps away to shower while the kids are up, she often returns to an unexpected situation. The few minutes it takes to rinse and condition can turn a peaceful home into a chaotic scene reminiscent of a wild adventure. However, when Emily Taylor asked her 11-year-old daughter Mia to keep an eye on her younger brother, she was pleasantly surprised to find them sharing a charming musical moment when she emerged.
The siblings’ sweet interaction triggered a smile for Emily, and it was evident that Mia had a talent for singing that could even land her a record deal one day. But it was the heartfelt caption Emily shared with the video that captured the hearts of over 34 million viewers, highlighting the remarkable journey of her son, Leo, who has a vocabulary of just 12 words due to his developmental challenges.
“If Mia didn’t have her guitar, I’m not sure she would know how to engage with him. It’s her special tool,” she wrote. “This shows the power of music therapy. Leo is 25 months old and has picked up every word through music.”
Leo has Down Syndrome, and Emily revealed to ABC News that medical professionals had warned them he might not be able to speak until he turned three. However, thanks to his sister’s efforts, everything changed.
Both Emily and her husband are musicians, a passion they have passed down to their children. Mia has been playing guitar since she was four years old. Last October, she noticed that when she played for Leo, he joined in by saying “happy,” marking a significant milestone as his first word. With Mia’s musical support and their in-home concerts, Leo’s vocabulary has now grown to a dozen words.
In a subsequent Facebook post, Emily shared the emotional significance of the song “You Are My Sunshine,” which has become a family favorite. Leo underwent heart surgery in the Spring of 2016, and during his hospital stay, the song became his personal anthem. Emily and her husband had been rehearsing it nightly before the surgery, often singing it while comforting him. “After weeks of silence in the ICU, we were allowed to bring in a guitar, hoping it would soothe him. This was the first time we saw him respond, as he reacted to the familiarity of the song,” Emily recounted.
With tears in her eyes, she expressed, “We feel like he’s defying the odds. Thanks to Mia’s determination and music therapy, we’re incredibly proud of our children.”
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In summary, Emily Taylor’s experience showcases the power of music therapy in helping her son Leo, who has a limited vocabulary, find his voice through song. With the support of his sister Mia, Leo has made incredible progress, defying expectations and proving the life-changing impact of music on communication.
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