Acta Psychopathologica

ISSN: 2469-6676

Open Access Review Article

Music Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Julia Koifman*
Department of Slavic Studies, Atlantic International University, Honolulu, United States

ABSTRACT
Music Therapy (MT) is a way of helping people with a range of disorders. It involves listening to music,
talking about it, and singing, dancing, or making music. MT is a general psychotherapeutic help to
people with different disorders (Herndon, 2021). This article researches people with Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) and music as a way of treating them. ASD children find it challenging to interact with
others, and music, as an ancient form of communication, does not require people to have verbal
abilities. Music is the language of art, which goes beyond words and speaks with commonly
understood images and emotions, so it can be adapted to meet the needs and tastes of each person.
MT is based on music's therapeutic effect on a person's psychological state. ASD is characterized by
marked and pervasive deficits in social interaction and communication, limited interests, and
repetitive activities. According to the research, it is correct to call autism not a disease or mental
retardation but a developmental disorder. Among people with autism, the level of intelligence varies
in the same way as among neurotypical people individually. ASD ones need more time and effort to
reach their potential because their nervous system is constantly overwhelmed, and music is one of
the ways to help them relax.

Keywords: Autism; Music therapy; Special education; ASD, Developmental disorders; Neurodiversity

formation of new neural connections in the brain. Treating

INTRODUCTION ASD students is complex. It requires various sorts of therapy,
In autism, scientists often investigate challenges with sensory and music is one of them. While working with ASD students,
perception, social communication, rigidity or lack of response establishing contact between each child and the reality
to stimuli, and problems with obsessive thoughts and surrounding him is the most challenging. Music therapist
behaviors. Those who study the understanding of music in individually matches the music methods to a particular
autism try to understand how people with autism function person's experience and needs and help to establish personal
and develop and learn about their emotional characteristics bonds and build trust. If the person does not react, the
and aesthetic preferences. By interacting with adults and therapist aims to make the patient respond. Kim claims that
children with ASD, the therapist helps them gain musical music experiences such as music listening, songs, and
experience, reduce anxiety, and develop new communication improvisation can facilitate the process of therapy and help
skills. It is known that music relieves irritation, sharpens build appropriate relationships between the music therapist
attention, develops memory and speech, and stimulates and the patient. Thus, therapists treat ASD kids by involving
intellectual development. Music therapy promotes the them in such activities as talking about music, listening to
Received: 12-February-2023 Manuscript No: IPAP-23-15694
Editor assigned: 14-February-2023 PreQC No: IPAP-23-15694(PQ)
Reviewed: 28-February-2023 QC No: IPAP-23-15694
Revised: 12-April-2023 Manuscript No: IPAP-23-15694(R)
Published: 19-April-2023 DOI: 10.4172/2469-6676-9.2.011

Corresponding author: Julia Koifman, Department of Slavic Studies, Atlantic International University, Honolulu, United States; E-
mail: [email protected]
Citation: Koifman J (2023) Music Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Act Psycho. 9:011
Copyright: © 2023 Koifman J. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source
are credited.

© Under License of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License

Volume 9 . Issue 2 . 36
This article is available in: https://www.primescholars.com/acta-psychopathology.html
Page 2
Koifman J

music, singing, and dancing. Patients who are gifted and Warren claims that some kids often show anxiety and anger.
interested in playing musical instruments and even composing Perhaps, such a behavior is caused by fear of the outside
music should be given this opportunity [1-5]. world, which confuses them and with which they cannot
establish communication or find common ground. According
to the researchers of Mao clinic some ASD children have
LITERATURE REVIEW mental disorders and low levels of intelligence, while others
have high IQ’s and study quickly. But most ASD children
Signs of Autism struggle with adjusting to social situations. Such children do
ASD is a sort of neurodiversity and an innate brain not feel the need to communicate with peers and adults, and
developmental disorder. In autism, changes have been noted even with their family members, and often practice non-
in many brain areas, but exactly how they develop is unclear. verbal communication with the help of mimics and repetitive
The level of cognitive functions in autism ranges from gestures.
disability to superintelligence. Thus, ASD might come with For this reason, it is difficult for them to understand others
other sorts of neurodiversity. Therefore, ASD kids might also and integrate into society. Some autistic children cannot
have dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder express their emotions and stay indifferent to most things.
(ADHD), and other Learning Disabilities (LD). As a result, they Others express aggressive behavior, tantrums, and self-injury
struggle at school. characterizes others. For this reason, it is difficult for them to
Nevertheless, Neihart claims that ASD often includes understand others and integrate into society. Furthermore,
giftedness, Asperger's syndrome, and high-functioning autism. they need therapy focused on "teaching cognitive skills and
Usually, kids with such types of neurodiversity do well at relaxation strategies". Thus, music is one of the ways to
school. Although all ASD children differ, they have many develop the forenamed techniques and help them relax [6-9].
symptoms in common: They are characterized by marked and Apart from developmental disorders, children and adults with
pervasive deficits in social interaction and communication, as ASD may have a dysfunctional sensory system. "Sensory
well as limited interests and repetitive behaviors. Moreover, integration is the system’s process of taking in and organizing
they often have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). billions of bits of uncoordinated sensory input." It is a natural
The researchers at Mao Clinic, claim that the causes of autism process of interpreting and integrating sensory stimulation
are closely related to genetic disorders and probably from the environment. ASD brains receive sensory messages
medications or complications during pregnancy. Moreover, and interpret them differently from neurotypical ones. Some
environmental factors, such as air pollutants and viral might find sensory inputs overwhelming, and some notice
infections, trigger ASD. Generally, it is not clear what them slower. In both cases, it is SPD. Nevertheless, most ASD
influences the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders more: people are responsive to music which can be used as a natural
The environment, interaction of many genes, or rare "reinforce" for desired.
mutations. Thus, families get a real shock when they find out The research claims that it is still impossible to prevent ASD,
that a child born to "normal parents" has some of the but there are effective treatment options. Early recognition of
following symptoms: autism signs and diagnosis can help kids improve their
• Delays in cognitive, language, and social skills. behavior, skills of communication, and language development
to help a child to integrate into society. The earlier therapy is
• Speech disorder.
started, the more chances they have to learn to function well,
• Lack of emotional contact with people. even if it is impossible to outgrow ASD symptoms. Many
• Problems with socialization. modern and effective treatments can help people enhance
• Attacks of aggression. their academic performance, emotional growth, and even
• Weak interest in toys. motor control. But MT does much more because it changes
• Stereotypical behaviour. the brain, nurtures cognition, and promotes behavioral
• Fear of change. change.
• Stress in the family. Some ASD kids may be gifted in many spheres, including
Mainly, parents notice some forenamed symptoms when their music. The study's results indicate that individuals with such
children are two years old or older. Signs of ASD differ, and no neurodiversity may exhibit equal or superior abilities in music,
two kids have the same symptoms. Therefore, "depending on unlike their neurotypical peers. This particular interest may
where an individual falls on the autism spectrum, children can motivate them to do well in it and achieve very high levels of
demonstrate various levels of impairment in the areas of performance. Thus, they may excel in playing musical
social interaction, stereotyped behaviors, and instruments, composing tunes and songs, and singing,
communication." No matter how symptoms of developmental dancing, and performing on the stage. They will likely become
disorders differ, ASD kids struggle with social interaction, self- professional musicians in the future. Nevertheless, if ASD kids
expression, and motor skills. They might also have obsessive do not show such abilities, music is an effective psychological
thoughts and behaviors. technique that helps their psychic develop appropriately.

Volume 9 . Issue 2 . 36
Page 3
Koifman J

Why ASD People Need Music Therapy difficult. Since many ASD people have difficulties with social
interaction, the main aim of music therapy is to help them
MT is a therapeutic method at the intersection of psychology, develop communication skills.
neurophysiology, and musicology. It is a sensory stimulation
through music. The basis of this method is music's beneficial Nevertheless, some ASD people "display enhanced sensitivity
effect on a person's psycho-emotional state. MT is used in to sounds alongside the unimpaired perception of many
medical and social institutions, adaptive development aspects of music processing, including recognizing basic
centers, rehabilitation programs, correctional facilities, and musical emotions." In this case, their brains process musical
schools for kids with Special Education Needs (SEN). In Beit information and enable them to reflect the emotions in
Ekshtein, the Israeli chain of SEN schools where I work, MT is music. The research claims that people with autism are much
mainly used to enhance the students' cognitive performance better at recognizing anger in music than in other people's
and motor skills, stimulate their emotional development, and facial expressions and voices. Moreover, they often do not
improve their quality of life. It is beneficial for our ASD recognize anger in themselves. Thus, music is a unique way
students. for people to interact with each other, as it can provide a
powerful multi-sensory experience. It allows children to
Since ASD often comes with ADHD, music helps restless connect with others, experience new forms of relaxation, and
children relax and reduce anxiety and hyperactivity. The promote self-expression. Since music stimulates the senses, it
research claims that listening to a well-chosen musical helps them overcome SPD, focus their attention well, and
composition can lower blood pressure, normalize the redirect self-healing behavior toward socially appropriate
emotional state, slow down the heartbeat, increase behavior [10-15].
concentration, resolve conflicts and improve the quality of
life. By interacting with ASD adults and children, music The study results indicate that ASD individuals may exhibit
therapists help correct their behavior, develop new equal or superior abilities in key processing, emotion labeling
communication skills, and "promote the quality of parent- in music, and musical preference compared to neurotypical
child relationships". It is known that music relieves irritation, peers. Additionally, music is more likely to have a cognitive
stimulates intellectual development, sharpens attention, and function for language acquisition. While processing music,
develops memory and speech in children with autism. both hemispheres of the brain work. Music stimulates
Moreover, MT promotes the formation of new neural cognitive function, emotional responses, and self-expression.
connections in the brain. It also gives ASD children the ability to move, dance, sing or
make noise, which are ways of expressing emotions. So it
If ASD people have problems with speech, MT encourages helps build social skills and relationships. Music therapy can
them to speak. By using songs with specific sounds, music promote two-way communication with peers. The most
therapists can help promote conversation while enhancing crucial evidence supporting the clinical benefits of MT lies in
language skills and improving speech development in autistic social-emotional response and communication, such as
children. Active singing enables them to sing and recite strengthening compliance, reducing anxiety, developing tones
eloquently, shows examples of rhyming and speech flow, and and speech volume, and increasing interaction with peers.
enhances word pronunciation, which can reduce problems
with a monotonous speech in children with autism. As an ESL
Methods of Music Therapy for Autistic People
teacher, I can add that it improves their understanding of the
language. Listening to songs or singing related to specific Music therapists often work as part of a group of specialists in
activities can enhance language comprehension and help various fields, participating in the formation of medical and
children learn and understand the meanings of words they recreational programs. It is important to note that MT is
have not heard before. different from teaching music. So, they select music to
activate children's mental and sensory activity and make them
Many ASD people have sensory integration disorders and
believe in the best. "MT has developmental, rehabilitative,
cannot express their senses. "The blocks are the senses, the
medical, and educational applications and can be used to
sensory systems, skill development, learning, and behavior."
improve the quality of life." Healing music is often used as an
Since music unblocks and stimulates them, it addresses
additional rehabilitation for ASD children at home, school,
sensory issues, focuses attention, and helps redirect self-
and medical settings.
healing behavior toward socially appropriate behavior. MT
also enables ASD kids to recognize their senses and express Among the most common methods, MT specialists practice
their feelings and emotions. Apart from relaxing and healing passive and active interventions. Both of them "were
effects, MT may help ASD people improve many skills, designed to reduce physiological stress" During the passive
including communication, cognition, sensory issues, ones, students listen to various sounds and musical
perceptual and motor skills, and self-determination. As a part fragments. During the active ones, they do exercises, dance,
of art, music helps them develop musical memory, sing together, and play music. While dancing or performing
understand other people's feelings and identify emotions special physical activities, children learn to perceive music and
caused by the music, which is versatile. It is a creative express the received emotions with their bodies. Moreover,
medium that allows children to explore safely and they learn to integrate with their peers.
spontaneously the magic wand that can heal the soul. So,
choosing the type of music that may suit any person is not

Volume 9 . Issue 2 . 36
Page 4
Koifman J

Although some MT sessions are planned for small groups of

kids, each music therapist creates a plan for working with DISCUSSION
each person individually. Establishing personal bonds and Nevertheless, it must be remembered that something may be
building trust is crucial so the person will want to respond. a joy for one child, but the same thing may be contraindicated
After finding out each individual's strengths, weaknesses, for another. For example, MT should not be used for children
challenges, and needs, music therapists develop a treatment with convulsive syndromes or severe excitability. "For some
plan with specific goals and objectives and then provide the individuals, the senses and sensory systems work well
appropriate treatment. They work with clients individually cooperatively to help, seemingly effortlessly, develop and
and in small groups using a variety of musical instruments, support age-appropriate skill development, learning, and
styles of music, and techniques. This approach "anticipates behavior. For other individuals, the senses and sensory
that a child who is better able to process, modulate, and systems do not work well cooperatively, which may result in
integrate sensory information will then be better able to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral
acquire higher order skills." problems." Thus, after thoroughly testing each student and
In both active and passive interventions, therapists use learning the medical, psychological, and psychiatric
musical instruments and their own voices to respond recordings, the music therapist must decide whether this
creatively to the client's sounds and encourage them to create therapy will work. It is also possible to offer the students
their own musical language. If the goal is to achieve an audio some sessions which will provide a clear understanding of
context in which the student is supposed to reduce stress and whether they should attend them or not [16-21].
relax, it is not necessary to use music with words. In this case,
the therapist uses pieces of music or styles to suit the mood, CONCLUSION
clinical needs, and developmental level of the client at the
time. It can be medications, medical treatments, and Autism as a sort of neurodiversity is not a single disorder
psychotherapy. entity. It is a range of innate developmental disorders known
as ASD, such as giftedness, Asperger syndrome, and more.
But if it is required to help the patient develop speech,
They begin in childhood and last through adulthood.
enlarge vocabulary, and enhance communication and social
Sometimes ASD is accompanied by problems with speech and
interaction skills, the therapist chooses songs with words.
self-expression, as well as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and
They are chosen depending on the general level of the client.
other LD. Children with such disorders need a range of
"Songs sung by the music therapist are composed or chosen
therapy, and one of the most effective is MT. Such a therapy
with specific aims like correcting behavior problems, learning
uses music as a part of the therapeutic relationship to treat
signs and words, or building a relationship with the
cognitive, physical, psychological, sensory, communicative,
participants." Anyway, the objectives of each session are to
and social needs.
help students feel comfortable and confident to express
themselves, to experience a broader range of emotions, and There are several examples of methods used to meet the
to feel what two-way communication is. Music as therapy can needs of an ASD patient. The process of singing enables ASD
be used with or without words, depending on the session's patients to communicate with the therapist and other
aim. children. Thus, using musical improvisation for a specific
therapeutic purpose in an environment that facilitates
Generally, it is highly recommended to use spontaneous
response and interaction, first with the therapist and then
musical improvisation. "In this type of therapy, the child and
with other patients. In this way, children get skills in
the therapist play musical instruments expressing rhythms,
communication and cooperation. It is crucial for children who
melodic patterns, and timbre. During the child’s musical play,
practice non-verbal communication with their mimics and
the therapist introduces synchronization and communication
gestures and those with problems with self-expression,
with the child by mirroring or complimenting the child’s
pronunciation, and speech.
musical expressions. The child is also encouraged to practice
imitation." In this case, the child learns to be attentive and At the beginning of the MT kids can create their own
practices social interaction and cooperation skills with the “language," and themselves through music. At this stage,
therapist and other children. Thus, they develop skills of therapists use simple songs. Later, vocalizing words or sounds
active speaking. in musical tones enlarge vocabulary and enables kids to build
sentences. Songs can improve memory and control emotions
A good specialist should also be able to develop strategies
and behavior. Music therapists use songs as a catalyst to
that can be practiced at home or school. Kim claims that joint
discuss therapeutically relevant issues with the patient. The
improvisation is crucial because it helps to create a good
method includes listening to songs, and analyzing lyrics and
relationship between the therapist and the client, especially
their meaning. With schoolchildren, therapists can use a
at the beginning of therapy. Mutual music-making activities
method of songwriting so that the patient will be able to
encourage the children to participate in the session and
explore inner thoughts, feelings, or problems. Songs can also
create their own music, or at least sing and dance, which
be written as an overview of life.
develops their movement coordination, senses, speech, and
social interaction. Music is a universal language that allows a child with ASD to
communicate with the world around them. Music is

Volume 9 . Issue 2 . 36
Page 5
Koifman J

multifaceted. It can soothe interest, excite, and evoke diverse 10. Mandal A (2019). What is autism? News Medical Life
emotions. Therefore, therapists must be aware of the possible Sciences Publishers. Sydney, Australia.
effects of music on their patients and use it thoroughly for 11. Marquez-Garcia A, Magnuson J, Morris J, Doesburg GI
each session. Besides, for some children, this way of (2021) Music therapy in autism spectrum disorder. Rev J
treatment might not be suitable. Therefore, the therapist Autism Dev Disord. 9:91-107 [Google Scholar]
must study each new patient's case. 12. McPherson T, Frohlich F, Alapagan S (2019) Active and
MT is a unique opportunity to restore a child's passive music therapy. J Music Ther. 19:6-8.
communicative, behavioral, speech, and mental skills, 13. Neihart M. (2000). Gifted Children With Asperger’s
provided that it is used as a link in a more voluminous syndrome. Gift Child Q. 44(4):1-8.
complex treatment. It also has beneficial effects on cognitive, 14. Quintin EM (2019) Music-evoked reward and emotion:
motor-functional, and socio-emotional functions. Moreover, it relative strengths and response to intervention of people
stimulates neuron connections and enhances brain activity. with ASD. Front Neural Circuits. 13:49.
15. Reece A (2021) Music may hold the key to enhancing
language for autistic children–7 tips for integration.
REFERENCES Autism res Treat. 16(20):1-8.
1. Berger DS (2002) Music therapy, sensory integration and 16. Reybrouck M, Vuust P, Brattico E (2018) Music and brain
the autistic child. London, Jessica Kingsley Publishers. plasticity: How sounds trigger neurogenerative
Philadelphia, United Kingdom. 255. adaptations. BoD-Books on Demand, Norderstedt,
2. Bhatara A, Quintin EMQ, Fombonne EF (2013) Early Germany. 204.
sensitivity to sound and musical preferences and 17. Rudy LJ. Music therapy for autistic children.
enjoyment in adolescents with autism spectrum Verywellhealth publications. New York, United States.
disorders. Psychomusic: Music, Mind, and Brain. 23(2): 2019.1-1.
100-108. 18. Rudy LJ. What does "neurotypical" mean? Verywellhealth
3. Darki CD, Riley J, Dadabhoy DP, Darki A (2022) The effect publications. New York, United States. 2022.1-1.
of classical music on heart rate, blood pressure, and 19. Ware JN. Play therapy for children with autism spectrum
mood. Cureus. 14(7):e27348. disorder. New York city, Guilford Publications, United
4. Deweerdt S (2020) Repetitive behaviors and ‘stimming’ States. 2014. 276.
in autism. Spectrum. Roseville CA, United States. 20. William H, Walker IIJC (2020) Circadian rhythm disruption
5. Emmons PG (2005) Understanding sensory dysfunction. and mental health. Transl Psychiatry. 10(1):28.
London, Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Philadelphia, United 21. Zachary Warren JVV (2011) Therapies for children with
kingdom. 176. autism spectrum. Rockville: Agency for healthcare
6. Halsbeck FB, Jakab A, Held U, Bassler D, Hagmannd HUB research and quality. 11:1-1.
(2020) Creative music therapy to promote brain function
and brain structure in preterm infants. Neuroimage Clin.
25:102171.
7. Hatch-Rasmussen C (2021) Sensory integration in autism
spectrum disorders. Autism. 22:1-1.
8. Herndon JR (2021) What is music therapy?
Verywellhealth. New York, United States.
9. Kim J (2016) Psychodynamic music therapy. Voices.
16(20):1-8.

Volume 9 . Issue 2 . 36