The beneficial effects and evidences that music contribute in autism spectrum

Assignment Brief

How is music used to contribute to health or wellbeing challenges in a specific context (e.g. dementia care, stroke survivors, autism spectrum)? What is it about music and the uses of music that facilitate these beneficial effects? What is the evidence for beneficial effects of music?​ Use the research literature to address these or subset of these questions. Include a critical evaluation and reflection on potentially underlying assumptions that music is beneficial by default.

Sample Answer

The Beneficial Effects and Evidence That Music Contributes in Autism Spectrum

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and processes information. People with autism often face challenges in expressing emotions, understanding social cues, and managing anxiety. Recently, there has been growing interest in using music to support people on the autism spectrum. This essay explores how music is used in autism care, why it is effective, and what research says about its benefits. It also reflects critically on the assumption that music is always beneficial.

How Music Is Used in Autism Care

Music is used in different ways to help children and adults with autism. One common method is music therapy, where trained professionals use music to improve communication, social interaction, and emotional development. For example, children may sing songs, play instruments, or move to music during therapy sessions. These activities are designed to encourage eye contact, turn-taking, and emotional expression, skills that many individuals with autism struggle with.

Music is also used in schools, at home, or in community groups to create a safe, enjoyable space where people with autism can engage without pressure. Some parents and teachers use specific songs to teach routines, calm anxiety, or improve focus.

Why Music Helps

Music works well for people with autism for several reasons. First, many individuals with autism are more responsive to sound than to spoken words. Music can grab their attention more easily than regular conversation. Second, music is structured and predictable, elements like rhythm and melody repeat in clear patterns, which can feel comforting for people who like routine. Third, music can create emotional connections. Even non-verbal children may smile, clap, or sway to music, showing that they are engaging and feeling something.

In addition, playing instruments or singing songs with others encourages social interaction in a natural, non-verbal way. This helps to reduce feelings of isolation and can build confidence and communication skills over time.

Evidence for the Benefits of Music in Autism

Many studies have shown that music therapy has positive effects on children with autism. A well-known study published in The Lancet (Bieleninik et al., 2017) showed that after five months of music therapy, children with autism had better social communication skills than those who only received standard care. Another study by Geretsegger et al. (2014) found that music therapy improved joint attention, turn-taking, and engagement.

In 2020, a review by Simpson and Keen found that music-based interventions improved emotional understanding and reduced problem behaviours. Some research also suggests that music can reduce anxiety and improve sleep in autistic children. However, not all studies show large effects, and the benefits may depend on the person’s age, the type of therapy used, and how often it is delivered.

Continued...