Research summaries for autism therapy: music therapy

definition of music therapy: Type of therapy whereby a trained therapist uses music in all of its facets (physical, emotional, social, etc.) to improve learning, build self-esteem, reduce anxiety or any of a number of treatment goals that are specific to the patient. Music therapy may be helpful for people with autism.
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Improving the Performance of a Young Child with Autism during Self-Care Tasks Using Embedded Song Interventions: A Case Study, Summarized Jan 22, 2008

Music therapists and occupational therapists can work together to help children with autism learn to perform self-care tasks.

It is good for children with autism and their parents when the children are able to do many of their own self-care tasks. This study was based on the idea that songs would be helpful in prompting a child with autism to perform multi-step self-care routines. The routines included hand washing, toileting, and cleaning up. The authors found that both song and lyric helped with all of the multi-step tasks. Children learned more, though, if the songs were sung more often. Read more...

Effect of Long-Term Interactive Music Therapy on Behavior Profile and Musical Skills in Young Adults with Severe Autism, Summarized Nov 6, 2007

Music therapy can help with the core symptoms of autism and improve music skills.

This study tested whether music therapy could improve the behavior of young adults with autism and improve music skills. Earlier studies have shown that brief music therapy can improve speaking skills in children with autism. This study followed eight young adults who received 52 weeks of music therapy. The music therapy involved a lot of interaction with the young adults. The weekly sessions had singing, piano playing, and drumming. Read more...

Searching for Music’s Potential: A Critical Examination of Research on Music Therapy with Individuals with Autism, Summarized Jun 27, 2007

Although research in support of music therapy is poor, it seems that music therapy can help children with autism.

Music therapy is used to help with behavior, sensory and motor skills, language, social skills, and self-help. This article reviewed research on whether or not music therapy can help children with autism. The authors note that much of the research on music therapy is flawed and needs to be improved in the future. One common flaw is that often the music therapist judges whether or not her own therapy worked. Also, there are no studies that look to see how music therapy compares to other types of therapy. Read more...

The Use of Music Therapy within the SCERTS Model for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Summarized May 1, 2007

Music therapy can help children with autism, but it is best used with treatment goals.

Music therapy allows children with autism to communicate in a unique way. The author surveyed music therapists and asked: 1) what are the written goals of music therapy for children with autism; 2) what is done in music therapy to address these goals; 3) how long is music therapy; and 4) what tools are used. The author received many answers to these questions. She found that stated goals should be able to be met within 3 months of therapy. She believes that it is helpful to music therapists and children to use an assessment tool such as SCERTS to be sure that children are reaching goals.
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Showing 17-20 of 22 results

Synonyms for music therapy include: music, piano
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