scholarly journals Music Therapy for Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Mayer-Benarous ◽  
Xavier Benarous ◽  
François Vonthron ◽  
David Cohen

Background: Several studies have reported contradictory results regarding the benefits of music interventions in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched the Cochrane, PubMed and Medline databases from January 1970 to September 2020 to review all empirical findings, except case reports, measuring the effect of music therapy on youths with ASD, intellectual disability (ID), communication disorder (CD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD), specific learning disorder, and attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Results: Thirty-nine studies (N = 1,774 participants) were included in this review (ASD: n = 22; ID: n = 7; CD and dyslexia: n = 5; DCD: n = 0; ADHD: n = 5 studies). Two main music therapies were used: educational music therapy and improvisational music therapy. A positive effect of educational music therapy on patients with ASD was reported in most controlled studies (6/7), particularly in terms of speech production. A positive effect of improvisational music therapy was reported in most controlled studies (6/8), particularly in terms of social functioning. The subgroup of patients with both ASD and ID had a higher response rate. Data are lacking for children with other NDDs, although preliminary evidence appears encouraging for educational music therapy in children with dyslexia.Discussion: Improvisational music therapy in children with NDDs appears relevant for individuals with both ASD and ID. More research should be encouraged to explore whether oral and written language skills may improve after educational music therapy, as preliminary data are encouraging.

JAMA ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 318 (6) ◽  
pp. 525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucja Bieleninik ◽  
Monika Geretsegger ◽  
Karin Mössler ◽  
Jörg Assmus ◽  
Grace Thompson ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Thomas Bergmann

Music as a non-verbal form of communication and play addresses the core features of autism, such as social impairments, limited speech, stereotyped behaviors, sensory-perceptual impairments, and emotional dysregulation; thus music-based interventions are well established in therapy and education. Music therapy approaches are underpinned by behavioral, creative, sensory-perceptional, developmental, and educational theory and research. The effectiveness of music therapy in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is reflected by a huge number of studies and case reports; current empirical studies aim to support evidence-based practice. A treatment guide for improvisational music therapy provides unique interventions to foster social skills, emotionality, and flexibility; in developmental approaches, the formation of interpersonal relationships is key. Since ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, music therapy is also appropriate in the treatment of adults with intellectual disability. Diagnostic approaches using musical-interactional settings to assess ASD symptomatology are promising, especially in non-speakers.


2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Geretsegger ◽  
Ulla Holck ◽  
Łucja Bieleninik ◽  
Christian Gold

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth James ◽  
Jeff Sigafoos ◽  
Vanessa A. Green ◽  
Giulio E. Lancioni ◽  
Mark F. O’Reilly ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Amparo V. Marquez-Garcia ◽  
Justine Magnuson ◽  
James Morris ◽  
Grace Iarocci ◽  
Sam Doesburg ◽  
...  

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