There is a positive connection between autism and music. The kind of disorder that takes place in the brain and reduces or changes its regular development can be improved with music. In fact, music therapy can work wonders on any sort of syndrome that changes the way the brain is making connections. There are different approaches to the treatments for autism. Most of them revolve around music used as a stimulant for therapies. However, there are other approaches.
For example, singing, can be a good way to promote children's abilities to speak. In autistic kids that can have a benefic effect too. The connections that can be developed between autistic kids and their families can be significantly enhanced by music. It is one of the best ways to encourage a harmonious coexistence, and the development of stronger social skills than without any stimulant.
Depending on the kind of structure of a given melody, the patterns have shown different effects in autistic children. The melodies and rhythms that get the best results are still being researched. It is a fact that music is a positive trigger, and helps on memorizing things and achieving certain tasks. It is a great way to enhance learning, and dealing with repetitive chores that are part of the everyday jobs. The sensorial interaction that includes music can keep a child engaged.
The best results are obtained when children get involved with music and an interactive activity. A story that goes with the beat is always a good enhancer. Music can be a great reward system too. If you identify a given melody that is fond of the kid, then use it as a reward. Playing an instrument can be an excellent teaching material too. In this line of thoughts, percussions are the ones that have the greatest potential.
But above all, research has found that the communication abilities of an autistic kid can be improved with the use of musical therapies. Some kids even learned to speak with the help of an appropriate music therapy. Researchers have found that children experience less anxiety and are more open to interact with others. All these important improvements are good ways to deal with autism through the use of a musical therapy.
To learn more about autism and music therapy, we have selected a group of papers. This are just samples of some works, and there are many more. You can check some of them by visit the following links:
Emotional, motivational and interpersonal responsiveness of children with autism in improvisational music therapy: Jinah Kim Tony Wigram Christian Gold made an extensive investigation on how children with autism respond to music. His findings are published on this interesting paper.
Using Embedded Music Therapy Interventions to Support Outdoor Play of Young Children with Autism in an Inclusive Community-Based Child Care Program: Petra Kern among other medical researchers performed tests on children with autism. Their findings published at the Journal of Music Therapy reveal that the effectiveness of music therapy can be set in any environment.
The Effects of Improvisational Music Therapy on Joint Attention Behaviors in Autistic Children: A Randomized Controlled Study: This is a very interesting study by Jinah Kim and others. It was published at the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
An Analysis of Music Therapy Program Goals and Outcomes for Clients with Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum: This is one of the few studies that addresses not just kids, but also adults up to 49 years old with autism. You can learn about the results when they undergo a music therapy. The study was published by the Journal of Music Therapy.
Music in Intervention for Children and Adolescents with Autism: A Meta-Analysis: Another publication by the Journal of Music Therapy, which has many more. This time, the study addresses teenagers and children. The study was conducted by Jennifer Whipple.
Effects of relational music therapy on communication of children with autism: a randomized controlled study: This paper by Gustavo Shulz Gattino has some interesting discoveries about how autistic children developed social communication with the aid of music.
If you wish to contact an organization that conducts music therapies for autistic children, you can visit:
Autism Canada. See the Spectrum Differently: This organization works in Canada. They have resources and organize conferences about the topic. In addition, you can schedule treatments, interventions and related therapies.
American Music Therapy Association: This association is the place to attend in the United States to get a music therapist for your child.
The Autism Science Foundation: This association is a NPO founded by parents and researchers who are looking of ways to improve autism.
Music Therapy Ireland (MTI): In Ireland, you can visit the Music Therapy Ireland. They specialize in music therapy of many kinds including autistic children.