Psychological and Neural Differences of Music Processing in Autistic Individuals: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Music Therapy
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Music interventions are effective for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• However, understanding of music processing in autistic populations remains limited.
• This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding music processing differences in autism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review to identify and synthesize existing research on music processing differences in autistic individuals.
• To explore the available evidence regarding how autistic people perceive and respond to music.
• To inform music therapy practices and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was conducted using keywords 'music', 'processing', and 'autism' across multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Academic Search Complete, ERIC, Music Index).
• 10,857 articles were initially identified, with duplicates removed, and 5,621 titles/abstracts screened for eligibility.
• Seventy-five studies were included for data extraction and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Preliminary findings indicate some evidence of differences in music processing among autistic individuals.
• Observed differences include reduced habituation to auditory stimuli (musical and non-musical).
• Evidence suggests truncated, delayed, or divergent developmental trajectories in music processing, possibly involving compensatory neural mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• The current literature suggests potential differences in music processing within the autistic community.
• Music therapists should consider a developmental perspective for music skill development in autistic individuals.
• Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the emerging nature of the research and limitations in current evidence.