MTRB reviewed an earlier article by Wan et al. (2010), where the researchers proposed using Melodic Intonation Therapy for children with autism. A recently published paper studied this idea using a single-system design.
Wan et al. (2011) used a modified version of MIT, which they are calling Auditory Motor Mapping Training. This involved intoning functional phrases while hitting pitched drums tuned to the same pitches.
This study involved 6 children with autism (age 5 – 9) who were non-verbal at the start of the study. Employing a multiple baseline design, their speech was monitored before, during, and after receiving the intervention. Each child received 40, 45-minute sessions over a period of 8 weeks.
Results indicated statistically significant changes in verbal production for all children. Whats interesting is that children improved in target words/phrases and words/phrases that had not be used in the treatment sessions. Data indicate increases from 0% to 8% – 71%.
This was a “proof of concept” study, meaning that the authors were attempting to determine if this procedure warranted further study. The results indicate that further study should be considered, and the authors were recently awarded a grant from Autism Speaks in order to pursue this further.
Some limitations of the study include a lack of information about the level of autism – CARS scores or other indicators are not provided. Furthermore, inclusion criteria were: “1) sit in a chair for more than 15 minutes; 2) follow one-step commands without prompting; and 3) imitate simple gross motor and oral motor movements such as clapping their hands, stomping their feet, and opening their mouth” (para. 8). This might mean that the procedure might yield different results with children who do not engage as easily.
I have seen many examples of “non-verbal” children who speak in music therapy (which employs many of the elements used in the above technique). The question is if acquisition of speech verbal phrases will turn into functional communication. Bottom line, the idea (and theory) is interesting and I look forward to seeing results from a larger controlled study.
Reference:
Wan, C.Y., Bazen, L., Baars, R., Libenson, A., Zipse, L., et al. (2011) Auditory-Motor Mapping Training as an intervention to facilitate speech output in non-verbal children with autism: A proof of concept study. PLoS ONE 6(9): e25505. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0025505
There is a theory that 99% of the autism population has perfect pitch. Have you found that to be true in your work?
I discussed this study in a recent presentation and someone said the fact that they met 5 times a week for 40-45 minutes for 8 weeks caused doubt about the strength of the intervention itself a part from the intensity of the schedule. Nonetheless it is an interesting study and I am trying it in the clinic. Today one boy verbalized his 3 syllable name better than he ever has. Instead of using the C-Eb (minor third) drums, I tried using E-G (m3rd) boomwhackers. This seemed to work well for him.
I enjoy your blog and podcast! Keep up the good work! Do you go skiing much there? Just curious. Peace,
Hi Dirk,
I have been trying this too – with mixed success. I am more of an advanced sledder. Skiing = green runs for me 🙂
I have not found this in my work. I have only seen a handful of client that demonstrated this skill. I’d be interested in hearing if you have come across this a lot.