Music therapy is of little help in alleviating the symptoms of autism, a study has found.
The finding is a blow to many people who promote the therapy as a way to help children with autism.
The researchers, based in Norway, came to their conclusion after studying 364 children with the condition.
They randomly assigned half of the children to enhanced standard care for five months. This included intensive behaviour therapy, speech therapy, sensory motor therapy and medication.
They assigned the other 182 children to enhanced standard care, plus improvisational music therapy.
The researchers conducted the study in nine countries, including the UK, US, and Australia. The children were between four and seven years old.
After five months, the researchers revealed that improvements in the severity of symptoms for both groups were small.
Music therapy ‘does not improve symptoms’
Christian Gold, of Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre in Bergen, led the research. He concluded that music therapy “does not improve autism symptoms”.
For decades therapists have exposed children with autism to music therapy in nursery and special school settings. The practice is based on claims that the therapy can help in such areas as communication and joint attention.
During music therapy, the tutor helps a child spontaneously make music through singing, movement and playing. There are thought to be 6,000 music therapists in Europe and 7,000 in the US..
Autism organisations such as UK-based Research Autism have long called for thorough research into the practice. One of the demands has been for studies to examine whether it works in ‘real-world’ settings, such as at home or school.
They have also asked for research to see whether the therapy leads to meaningful everyday improvements in social functioning. Another question is whether any effects are long lasting.
Music therapists tend to use their approach in lessons alongside other therapies, such as dance therapy, and in the creation of musical social stories.
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Published: 14 August 2017
