| At a glance: Music therapy |
Type of therapy
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Other
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The claim
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Promotes social and communication skills
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Suitable for
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People of all ages and ability levels
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Research rating
Find out more about this rating system in our FAQs. |
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Time
Estimate of the total time for family in hours per week and duration. |
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20-50 minutes a week |
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Cost
Estimate of cost to family per session/item or week. |
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About this intervention
What is it?
Music therapy uses music and the interaction between teacher and child to teach specific skills. For people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), music therapy uses interactive musical activities to improve social and communication skills. There are many different types of music therapy.
Who is it for?
Music therapy is for anyone of any age or ability.
What is it used for?
Music therapy is used to improve social and communication skills.
Where does it come from?
Music therapy was first used for children with special needs in the early to mid-1900s in the USA. Its use became more widespread in the 1950s and 1960s in the UK. Music therapy for children with autism developed as a way to address these children’s difficulties with social interaction and communication.
What is the idea behind it?
Music therapy can give people who can’t easily communicate a way of communicating and interacting. Instead of using words, they can use a range of musical activities – singing, playing instruments, improvising, songwriting and listening to music. These activities are intended to promote communication and social skills (such as making eye contact and taking turns).
Musical activities can also be used to teach new skills. This happens by pairing a new skill with its own musical cue. Once the skill has been learned, the cue is no longer needed and is gradually phased out until the skill happens on its own.
For children with autism, a music therapist might also write lyrics about a specific behaviour (for example, turn-taking). These lyrics are sung to the melody of a song the child knows well. The idea here is that the child might be better able to focus on sung information than spoken information.
What does it involve?
Music therapy typically involves the following stages:
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Assessment: the therapist assesses the child to determine the child’s needs. Because music therapy is often used along with other autism therapies, the therapist might also consult the child’s doctor or other therapists.
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Goal-setting: an individualised program is developed based on the child’s needs.
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Activities: sessions consist of activities designed to meet the child’s individual needs. These could include songwriting, moving to music, singing, playing instruments, listening to music, working in groups and improvising.
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Evaluation: the program is regularly evaluated to make sure it is working well.
Music therapy sessions can be one-on-one or in a group. Children typically attend once a week, for about 20-50 minutes. The duration of the therapy depends on the needs of the child.
Cost considerations
The cost per session varies across Australia and depends on how much the Registered Music Therapist (RMT) charges.
Does it work?
Some research has shown positive effects from this therapy, but more high-quality studies are needed.
Who practises this method?
All stages of music therapy are conducted with a Registered Music Therapist (RMT). An RMT is a professional therapist who:
- has completed an accredited training program in using music to bring about therapeutic benefits
- is registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
- is experienced in playing musical instruments.
RMTs work in a range of organisations such as special schools, nursing homes, early intervention centres and mental health facilities. RMTs also work in private practice.
Many RMTs work with specific groups of people, so not all RMTs will have experience in working with people with ASD. You will need to check the experience of any RMT you choose to work with.
Parent education, training, support and involvement
Parents don’t need to undertake any training for this approach.
Where can I find a practitioner?
Contact your state autism association and ask them to recommend a service or practitioner. You can also find a Registered Music Therapist on the Australian Music Therapy Association website.
