ERIC Number: EJ1421481
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Mar
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2195-7177
EISSN: EISSN-2195-7185
Music Therapy for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Ruth James; Jeff Sigafoos; Vanessa A. Green; Giulio E. Lancioni; Mark F. O'Reilly; Russell Lang; Tonya Davis; Amarie Carnett; Donna Achmadi; Cindy Gevarter; Peter B. Marschik
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v2 n1 p39-54 2015
We identified, summarized, and appraised the certainty of evidence for 12 studies investigating the use of music therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The studies were summarized in terms of (a) participant characteristics, (b) dependent variables, (c) procedures, (d) results, and (e) certainty of evidence. A total of 147 participants aged 3 to 38 years were included in the 12 studies. Dependent variables included: (a) decreasing undesirable behavior, (b) promoting social interaction, (c) improving independent functioning, (d) enhancing understanding of emotions, and (e) increasing communication. Music therapy included the use of specific songs with lyrics related to target skills as well as musical improvisation. Outcomes were positive for 58 % of the studies and mixed for 42 % of the studies. Certainty of evidence was rated as conclusive for 58 % of the studies. The existing literature suggests that music therapy is a promising practice for individuals with ASD, but additional research is warranted to further establish its generality and the mechanisms responsible for behavior change.
Descriptors: Music Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Individual Characteristics, Children, Adolescents, Adults, Behavior, Interpersonal Relationship, Psychological Patterns, Knowledge Level, Communication Skills, Behavior Change
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A