The idea that persons on the autism spectrum have motor differences is not a new one; however, ideas around how motor movement in persons with ASD can impact other skills have just recently gained more press. Researchers published a recent article reviewing research on motor differences and suggesting that these impact speech and communication abilities. 

McCleery et al. (2014) review research showing that motor differences are a consistent finding in persons with ASD and may be attracted to neurological differences. The authors review how motor-realated behaviors contribute to speech and social learning in childhood from hand movement when learning to speak (babble), gestures for meaning, to joint attention skills.

Researchers have shown that children with ASD have atypical neural patterns during observational activities and social activities. Furthermore, researchers have suggested that children with ASD lack mirror neuron activity, which is used in early language learning.

In this article, the authors suggest that interventions that target social/speech skills using motor-related pathways may increase speech communication. Auditory Motor Mapping Training (AMMT) is included in the list of  interventions with weak evidence (with only one small case study).  Interestingly, the authors state that results from extensive research indicate that sign language training is not an effective method for treating this population and new treatments must be developed.

I feel like many music therapists have been saying this for awhile – I was introduced to the idea that the motor system in persons on the spectrum can impact speech in 2003. I am glad to see that motor issues in persons on the spectrum are  getting more press and I think that with what we know about rhythm for the motor system, there is a real potential to help individuals show their true abilities using rhythm and music as a tool. The authors do include a music-based intervention, AMMT, in their review. I actually think music therapists have better tools than this one technique and that we can use rhythm, motor movement, AND flexible/creative experiences in order to best support an individual’s communication goals.

Reference:

McCleery, J.P., Elliott, N.A., Sampanis, D.S. and Stefanidou, C.A. (2013) Motor development and motor resonance difficulties in autism: relevance to early intervention for language and communication skills. Front. Integr. Neurosci. 7:30. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2013.00030