Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Happy Autism Awareness Month!

Did you know that Autism Spectrum Disorders affect close to 1% of the population in both U.S. and non U.S. countries? The word “spectrum” is used to encompass the wide range of symptoms, skills and levels of disability and impairment that children and individuals with ASD can have (NIMH, 2015). Although this neurodevelopmental disorder is better understood now than in years past, I think it’s still important to provide readers with some of the basics of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Who is at risk?
While scientists still do not know the exact cause, it is suggested that both genetics and the environment play an integral role, with boys being diagnosed four to five times more than girls.

What are the features?
– Deficits in social communication and social interaction.
– Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
– Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period and symptoms cause significant impairment in important areas of functioning.

What treatment is available?
– Early intervention
– Medication
– Therapy

So how is Music Therapy related to Autism Spectrum Disorders?

While we as music therapists are able to treat diagnoses from a range of populations, we are widely associated for treating individuals who are on the Autism Spectrum. Recent research has shown that we are now serving a slightly higher caseload of patients with this disorder, serving a wider age range of individuals who have ASD and as a whole, serve clients both in home and the community. According to Kern (2013), “Music therapists have a solid understanding of providing services for individuals with ASD.”

Board Certified Music Therapists are required to provide evidence based interventions and services and therefore must stay up to date with the most current research. There is vast and valid research to support what we do with our clients on the autism spectrum – whether it is using community music groups to increase social interactions and opportunities for engagement, sensory friendly concerts to build a sense of community and belonging, or direct services through a music therapy clinic to support individualized goals – all that we do is not only inspired by our clients, but continuous research to ensure they are receiving quality care.

It’s very easy to jump to conclusions when we see people who are different than us in public settings. However, I challenge you and would ask that you do the same of others this month (and even when April is over) to look beyond what you see on the outside. Perhaps that child who is crying and yelling in the grocery store is doing so due to sensory overload. Just because a child or adult isn’t looking at you with a direct gaze doesn’t mean they aren’t fixated on your every word. You will be amazed at how much you will learn by looking at the world through the eyes of someone else!

References:

American Psychiatric Association (2013). Autism spectrum disorder. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.)

Kern, P. (2013). Music therapy services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A survey of clinical practices and training needs. Journal of Music Therapy, 50, 274-303.

National Institutes of Mental Health. Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml