This edition of the MTRB features three research posters presented at the 2010 AMTA conference in Cleveland, Ohio with the specific focus of music therapy and children with autism spectrum disorder. Continue reading
Category Archives: Autism
Autism and Attention
Most of the research on children with autism is focused on their social skills and emotional awareness. Although these are major need areas for children with autism, these skills aren’t the only skills that come up as “needs” in the assessment. The ability to attend, follow-though with an exercise, and inhibit behaviors are also areas of need; however, there is less representation of these skills in the research literature. Today, MTRB will take a look at a review of literature on attention in autism and generalize this information into the music therapy clinic. Continue reading
MIT for Verbal Responses in Autism
Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) has long been used to promote functional speech in persons who have had a cerebral vascular accident. Studies on MIT date back more than 30 years and many studies have looked at child populations including children with apraxia (Helfrich-Miller, 1994; LaGasse, 2004), children with Down syndrome (Carroll, 1996), and now children with autism. Continue reading
What’s the “Scoop” on Auditory Integration Therapy?
When speaking with graduate students and colleagues, I have received more emails and questions about this topic than any other topic related to music therapy. Does Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT) work? Is AIT a form of music therapy? What is AIT??? A cochrane review may answer some of these questions! Continue reading
Effect of Vibroacoustic Music on Behaviors in ASD
Music emits vibrations and some practitioners use these vibrations as therapy. A new study investigated the effect of music vibrations on the challenging behaviors of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities. Continue reading
Autism and Reward – Neurologically Speaking
Motivation is said to be greatest when driven by reward. When we feel a reward sensation we are more likely to repeat the behavior that lead to reward whether that be social interaction, earning money, response to food, learning, etc… There are known areas of the brain that are involved in reward responses and a recent study attempted to see what type of reward responses were present in children with autism when presented with social and monetary rewards. Continue reading
Music Therapy Promotes Social Responsiveness in Autism
Many music therapists who work with children with autism work on social skills. A lack of social skills is a defining characteristic of autism, displayed by a disinterest in other persons, avoidance of social interaction opportunities, and behaviors related to social avoidance. A new study suggests that social behaviors can be improved with music therapy. Continue reading
The Music “Experience” in Autism
As music therapists we use music as a tool for functional improvements in persons who have disabilities. We recognize that music has value outside of “music therapy treatment” in community, recreation, and worship. Most of us ask our clients about what music therapy listen to; but how often do we stop and ask our clients who have autism “why do you listen to music”? A recent research study did just that. Continue reading
PECS: Does it Generalize?
As music therapists, many of us utilize the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) with our clients who have limited expressive communication skills. A recent study looked at the extent to which this communication system was successfully generalized to the non-treatment environment. Continue reading
Improvisational Music Therapy for Children with Autism
When you think of need areas for children with autism, it is no doubt that emotional expression, social responsiveness, and behavioral/motivational aspects come to mind. Although there are differences between children who have an ASD, these are hallmark characteristics of the neurodevelopmental disorder. In a community that is built on social engagement (from expressing wants/needs to occupational situations) these skills can be essential to independent functioning. Some new research has begun to show that improvisational music therapy can be beneficial for children with an ASD. Continue reading