Music Therapy

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Ranking :

Type(s) : Standard

Introduction

Music therapy uses live music making and composition techniques to encourage children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders to engage in spontaneous and creative musical activities.

The therapist and client use a variety of percussion or tuned instruments, or voice, to develop shared and interactive musical activities.

The individual with autism does not need musical skills to benefit from music therapy but the music therapist does need a high level of musical and therapeutic skill.

Supporters of music therapy believe that it can be used to develop social engagement, joint attention, communication abilities, while also addressing emotional needs and quality of life.

Opinion

Based on the literature to date, music therapy has shown good effects in influencing joint attention, social interaction, verbal and gestural communication and behaviour.

It is a worthwhile intervention, particularly with very young children, and where language acquisition is either delayed or disordered to a severe degree.

Further information

Please see the Advanced version of this page for more information about this intervention, including relevant research studies and details of how ranked them.

Disclaimer

Please read our Disclaimer about this intervention.

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Last Updated : 21/07/2010 Back to Top

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