Music Therapy and Autism

Music Therapy and Autism 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that negatively affects a child’s ability to communicate and interact with significant others. The symptoms of autism are easily noticed in children between the ages of 2-3 years and cannot be cured entirely but are reduced using some therapies. One such approach that has been established to significantly reduce the symptoms of autism and considerably improve the behavior and communication of patients with autism is music therapy. Music therapy in managing autism involves using musical interaction to help autistic individuals with a wide range of cognitive and emotional challenges to improve their ability to function and communicate.

The connection between Music and Autism. 

Since the discovery of autism in 1943, numerous researches have been conducted to establish the connection between music and autism. A considerable percentage of research on this subject has similar findings: there is a strong tie between music and autism. Clinicians have reported that autistic individuals express their emotions and feelings more effectively when exposed to specific genres of music. Considerable evidence also shows that autistic individuals can process and understand music just as well as non-autistic individuals despite being slower to develop verbal communication skills.

The primary connection between music and autism lies in its ability to stimulate both hemispheres of our brains instead of just one hemisphere. Theme, therefore, supports cognitive activity and develops self-awareness, and improves the relationship with others. Music also encourages communicative behavior and interaction, which autistic individuals cannot quickly achieve.

The Benefits of Music for Autism

1. Communication 

Exposure to soft, slow music has been established to considerably improve speech output among individuals with autism in vocalization, verbalization, and vocabulary. Music can greatly assist in teaching us to communicate. Therefore, autistic persons can communicate better by learning a new word from a song or how to express themselves in a social situation based on the messages a piece may convey. Singing songs also assist people with autism to effectively communicate their emotions.

2. Behavior 

We dance when we listen to particular genres of music. Dancing is a form of exercise that helps to stimulate our sensory systems and allows us to enhance fine motor skills. For people with autism, dancing when listening to music significantly improves their behavior by assisting them to follow particular directions similar to dance moves. Music also interconnects the auditory and the motor part of the brain responsible for converting thoughts into action. This enhances the understanding of autistic individuals and helps them obey verbal commands.

3. Social Skills 

A recent study concluded autistic children showed more social engagement during play sessions with music than in play sessions without music. The increase in social engagement during playing sessions with music was attributed to the effect of music on the brain’s endocrinology system to release hormones that stimulate the children to interact more appropriately with other children through sharing and taking.

4. Cognition 

Music improves cognitive apps for autism in children with autistic. Autistic children can organize auditory information through music’s rhythmic patterns better. They can follow daily routines and memorize essential practices thanks to an improved attention span. Introducing music into the daily routine of autistic individuals also increases their tolerance for frustration and decreases anxious behaviors crucial for cognitive development.

Conclusion 

Music therapy is highly beneficial to autistic individuals to reduce the condition's symptoms significantly. Specific genres of music, notably Brass band music, have positive treatment outcomes in managing autistic. Music therapy sessions usually involve essential communication-building exercises, relaxing playtime, and motivation. They should be started earlier enough once the symptoms of autistic become clear in children between the age of 2-3 years.