Music Therapy

"The whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking, 'Is there a meaning to music?' My answer would be, 'Yes.' And 'Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?' My answer to that would be, 'No.'" - Aaron Copland

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley

"I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to." - Elvis Presley

"I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty of music. It seems to infuse strength into my limbs and ideas into my brain. Life seems to go on without effort, when I am filled with music." - George Elliot

"My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary." - Martin Luther

Music. We know what it does to us but researchers barely have a clue about what it does for persons with autism. Some children with autism have been helped by listening to the strictly controlled frequencies of Auditory Integration Training or Therapy (AIT) music through headphones. Researchers have found that some persons with autism benefit from listening to mono channel music (that is, not stereo - the same sounds come to each ear). Some studies compared AIT with simply listening to regular music through headphones - both groups showed improvements in behavior! Music therapists would say that music helps students with autism learn to speak, move, and relate to the world. Thankfully, researchers are getting closer to the reason music helps some persons with autism. Visit the links below to find out more.

Internet Resources on Music Therapy

Coast Music Therapy - Information on music therapy for children with disabilities, links, and tips: "fun and practical teaching strategies recommended by music therapists".

Music Therapy and Autism in the Special Education Setting: Defining Music Therapy - An article from Wings Learning Center explaining what music therapy is and the potential benefits.

Basic Information About Auditory Integration Training (AIT) - A succinct article on AIT from the Center for the Study of Autism.

Auditory Integration Training and Facilitated Communication for Autism - Policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics on the scientific studies (or lack thereof) on the efficacy of AIT (and Facilitated Communication).

Music Therapy and Individuals with Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum - An informative article from the American Music Therapy Association web site on the benefits of music therapy for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Disclaimer: The author of this web site makes no recommendations with regard to music therapy, AIT, or other treatments for children or adults with autism. These decisions should be made in consultation with your physician and other professionals.