Abstract
It is widely reported that music can be beneficial to individuals with autism. This review was undertaken to determine the
evidence base for the use of music as an intervention for children with autism. After searching relevant databases, 128 articles
were identified of which 20 articles met the study’s inclusion criteria. Composed songs and improvisational music therapy
were the predominant music techniques used. There was somewhat limited evidence to support the use of music interventions
under certain conditions to facilitate social, communicative and behavioural skills in young children with autism. The implications
of these findings in terms of use of music interventions, issues related to generalization and maintenance, and future research
are discussed.
evidence base for the use of music as an intervention for children with autism. After searching relevant databases, 128 articles
were identified of which 20 articles met the study’s inclusion criteria. Composed songs and improvisational music therapy
were the predominant music techniques used. There was somewhat limited evidence to support the use of music interventions
under certain conditions to facilitate social, communicative and behavioural skills in young children with autism. The implications
of these findings in terms of use of music interventions, issues related to generalization and maintenance, and future research
are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-010-1172-y
- Authors
- Kate Simpson, Faculty of Education, Australian Catholic University, Virginia, QLD 4014, Australia
- Deb Keen, Faculty of Education, Australian Catholic University, Virginia, QLD 4014, Australia
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257