The therapeutic value of music is great for children with autism. Since processing music activates both hemispheres of the brain, it helps relax and reduce tension.
The power of music therapy is incredible. For example, music can reduce psychological responses to stress. Additionally, it increases endorphin production and is like a pain reliever produced by the body. Recently, music therapy has been showing effective results in three areas of the pharmaceutical industry:
Pain, anxiety and depression
Mental, emotional and physical disorders
Neurological disorders
Among these, neurological disorders stand out more because the response of the neurological system to musical stimuli is clear. For this reason, music therapy is one of the most common and effective educational methods for children with autism.
Depending on the type of autism, one in ten children with autism demonstrate exceptional ability in areas such as drawing, mathematics, memorization and music.
Some children are incredibly talented when it comes to these abilities. However, children can also excel in other areas, such as fluent self-expression, quick wit, and articulation of their interests.
Considering the variety of challenges faced by children suffering from this disorder, music therapy is a wonderful tool. Music therapy is used to reduce symptoms associated with routine, repetitive behaviors and movements.
Benefits of music therapy for children with autism
The benefits of music therapy for children with autism are as follows:
Improvement in communication process
Creativity development in any field
Reading comprehension and writing
Decrease in aggressive and angry behavior
Significant increase in attention
Formation of emotional bonds with people around them
An effective reduction in anxiety
Children with autism do not perceive the emotions reflected in facial expressions and voice intonations in the same way as other children.
In this context, music therapy is useful because it encourages communication through gestures and facial expressions. In addition to the joy that music therapy creates in children with autism, it also contributes to the daily life of their parents. Therefore, this method is beneficial for the whole family.
However, it is important to underline that not all cases are alike. Some children may have more advanced abilities than other children with different types of autism.
One of the main characteristics of children with autism is their inability to communicate and establish relationships with others. As a result, they rarely participate in games or share their toys. Because they are methodical in their activities, they tend to resist changes in their routine.
expert interest
A comprehensive evaluation by an expert is required. Thus, it can be understood whether the child needs music therapy according to his needs.
It should always be taken into account that what is beneficial for one child may not be beneficial for another child. Therefore, medical evaluation is important.
Other benefits of music therapy for children with autism
With the help of music therapy, children with autism can maximize their language development. As a result, communication skills improve significantly.
After applying music therapy as a treatment method, children feel more emotionally motivated. This way, they can get in touch with people they would previously push away.
Another positive aspect of music therapy is that the person’s knowledge and perception of his own body increases. Children with autism expand their knowledge of their own bodies and better understand how to use their bodies, including their hands, mouth, fingers and arms.
As a result, children gain knowledge about the functioning mechanisms of the human body. Music therapy also promotes regulation of neurological processes such as understanding, symbolizing, and learning rules.
Resources :
- Buentello-García, R. M., Senties-Madrid, H., San Juan-Orta, D., & Alonso-Vanegas, M. (2011). Trastornos neurológicos y música. Arch Neurocien, 16(2), 98-103. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ricardo_Buentello_Garcia/publication/267861324_Trastornos_neurologicos_y_musica/links/576513d408aeb4b99804c149.pdf
- Gold, C., Wigram, T., & Elefant, C. (2007). Musicoterapia para el trastorno de espectro autista. la biblioteca Cochrane Plus, (4), 9. http://www.cristinaorozbajo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Musicoterapia_para_el_transtorno_de_espe.pdf
- Jara, P. D. R. T., & Barrio, F. G. (2015). El uso de la musicoterapia para la mejora de la comunicación de niños con Trastorno del Espectro Autista en Aulas Abiertas Especializadas. Revista complutense de educación, 27(1), 257-
