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Music therapy for autistic spectrum disorder.
1Sogn og Fjordane University College, Faculty of Health Studies, Study Centre Sandane, Sandane, Norway, 6823. c.gold@magnet.at,christian.gold@hisf.no
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|April 21, 2006
Summary
Music therapy may improve communication skills in children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). While short-term interventions showed positive effects on verbal and gestural communication, more research is needed for long-term and clinical practice applicability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by core impairments in social interaction and communication.
- Music therapy offers a potential avenue for addressing these challenges by facilitating expression and communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of music therapy interventions for individuals diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and ERIC.
- Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials comparing music therapy to placebo, no treatment, or standard care were included.
- Data were extracted and analyzed using standardized mean difference (SMD) for meta-analysis, with heterogeneity assessed by the I(2) statistic.
Main Results:
- Three small studies (n=24) involving short-term music therapy (one week) for autistic children were analyzed.
- Music therapy demonstrated superiority over placebo in enhancing both verbal and gestural communicative skills.
- No significant effects were observed on behavioral problems.
Conclusions:
- The reviewed studies, though limited in applicability to clinical practice, suggest music therapy can enhance communicative skills in children with ASD.
- Further research is essential to determine the enduring effects of music therapy and its efficacy in typical clinical settings.