Music Therapy with Autism

Why Music Therapy for Individuals with Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum?

Research reports that most individuals with autism respond positively to music (DeMyer, 1974; Edgerton, 1994; Euper, 1968; Snell, 1996; Thaut, 1992).

• People with diagnoses on the autism spectrum often show a heightened interest and response to music, making it an excellent therapeutic tool to work with them.
• Music is a very basic human response, spanning all degrees of ability/disability. Music therapists are able to meet clients at their own levels and allow them to grow from there. The malleability of music makes it a medium that can be adapted to meet the needs of each individual.
• Music is motivating and enjoyable.
• Music can promote relatedness, relaxation, learning, and self-expression.
• Music therapy addresses multiple developmental issues simultaneously.
• Music therapy can provide success-oriented opportunities for achievement and mastery.
• The structure and sensory input inherent in music help to establish response and role expectations, positive interactions, and organization.

   (Taken from American Music Therapy Association musictherapy.org)

The following informational Fact Sheets can be found here:

• Music Therapy and Autism - AMTA Fact Sheets
• Music Therapy and Special Education - AMTA Fact Sheets
• Music Therapy and Autism - Research - AMTA Fact Sheets
• Music Therapy and Special Education - Research - AMTA Fact Sheets

Using the language of music to speak to children with autism: http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2009/03/using_the_language_of_music_to.html


Music Therapy and the Emergence of Spoken Language in Children with Autism: http://www.speechpathology.com/articles/article_detail.asp?article_id=343