Music therapy for autism: All that you need to know

music therapy for autism

Music therapy may have a positive effect on some children with autism. Some studies show that music therapy can even improve language skills in autistic children. It might also help them improve their attention span and ability to focus on the tasks at hand. A study by Lynch has found that music therapy for autism can reduce hyperactivity and improve social skills. A study from the Netherlands, which involved 55 children diagnosed with autism, found that music therapy positively affected their mental health and behaviour.

Music therapy for autism

It is now widely accepted as an effective treatment for autism. Music therapists are now widely consulted in the treatment of children with autism. There is no single music therapy technique that is right for every situation or musical population, but there are some common approaches: A review of music therapy research showed that music therapy for autism helped people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focus on the positive aspects of their environment and develop more positive views of themselves. It is generally recommended for those with ADHD but has also been found to be effective in other populations too. It includes adults with mood disorders, children with autism, and older adults or individuals who have suffered a stroke. 

The clinical outcomes emphasized predominantly by the use of music include:

  • Communication
  • Cognition
  • Behaviours (Problem//Repetitive/Stereotypic) Social Skills and Interaction Emotional Regulation

Qualifications needed for mastering music therapy

The career of a music therapist has started gaining recognition in recent times in India. It has emerged as an excellent choice who has a strong penchant for music and mental health.

To be eligible to become a music therapist, the minimum desired qualification is a diploma or BA in music therapy from approved college and university programs. 

In foreign countries like America, in addition to academic coursework, the bachelor’s degree requires many hours of clinical training, including a supervised internship. Graduate degrees in Music Therapy focus on advanced clinical practice and research.

Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, music therapists are eligible to appear for the national board certification exam to obtain the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist – Board Certified).

Sound Therapy is a new technique that employs music to alleviate symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This technique is applied when there is a possibility of hyper-stimulation of the brain or sensory input that leads to emotional and physical discomfort. In these cases, music can provide relief by lowering arousal levels, and emotional distress, and decreasing stress levels.

Raga music therapy:

It is an ancient Indian music therapy where autistic patients get exposed to ragas for therapeutic purposes. Different ragas are supposed to help with different issues faced by autism patients. Ragas used in autistic patients include Kafi, Bhairavi, Marwa; and Todi – which are more effective than other ragas.

This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of raga therapy in autistic patients. This type of therapy can help autistic children to shift their attention, and diminish any types of disruptive behavioural problems. Some studies have found that these problems could be minimized by over 40%. The research team analyzed the changes in their behaviour post-therapy. They conducted a randomized control trial on 30 autistic children aged 7-14 years, who were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. Before treatment, both the experimental and control groups had similar levels of autism symptomatology as measured by caregiver interviews and video rating scales. 

After treatment, the experimental group showed significant improvement in social interaction, mood, and attention span. The control group showed no significant changes. The experimental treatment was a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and bilateral auditory brainstem responses (ABR). The TMS is similar to the type of brain, which is usually utilised to stop seizures in people with epilepsy. Goldstein, M., Cohen, G., & Seidenwurm, M. C. (2016). 

Music has a unique ability to target Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-specific core disabilities because it is an engaging, emotional, physical, social, and persuasive tool that promotes synchronisation of various brain functions. Individuals with ASD often enjoy music perception and can achieve a high level of music proficiency despite altered intrinsic connectivity.

Music, because of its ability to modify neurophysiological responses and perceptions, can be an excellent treatment option for ASD. A 30-minute singing lesson increased blood Oxytocin (OT) levels while listening to slow-tempo and soothing music increased salivary OT levels. Music listening activated IN-SN/DMN/CEN networks in addition to OT elevation. The presentation of happy music was found to improve the insular cortex, superior temporal lobe, and caudate putamen, all of which are associated with emotional awareness.

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