Autism and music
Autism is a lifelong[1] developmental disability involving differences in communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory experiences.[2][3] Signs develop in early childhood, typically before age three, though it isn't always obvious at first and diagnosis may not happen until later. Unfortunately, the demands of society and/or certain aspects of autism can create a lot of stress for autistic people.
Music is one way to help combat that stress. This can involve music therapy or even just making music available for autistic people to enjoy.
Sensory processing issues[edit]
Sensory processing issues in autism are a common problem. Autistic people may experience sounds at different intensities than most people do. Every autistic person has different experiences, so sensory sensitivities may vary in severity.
Autistic people may experience:
- Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitive hearing can make noises stressful or painful. Hypersensitive autistic people may have frequent ear-covering, big startle response to sudden noises, fear and discomfort with loud noises (like thunderstorms and hand dryers), and avoidance of things they know will be loud. Some autistic people may use music, white noises, or repetitive noises to try to "drown out" unpredictable noise. Tools like earplugs and noise-canceling headphones can help ease discomfort.
- Hyposensitivity: Under-sensitive hearing can lead to sensory-seeking behaviors. These people may make loud noises for fun and seek out loud environments. This is an attempt to self-regulate.
Researchers are still looking at ways to ease the stress of sensory processing issues in autistic people.
Music therapy[edit]
Music therapy is sometimes used to work on areas like shared attention, socializing, and being comfortable in social settings. It may also ease stress levels. It can be a fun way to explore musical ideas like pitch, beat, and tempo.
A Cochrane review found that while music therapy didn't make much of a difference in social interaction and communication, it could help autistic people in other areas like quality of life.[4]
History of music therapy[edit]
Music therapy has been used for autistic people since the 1950s.[4]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Scott D. Wright , Cheryl A. Wright , Valerie D’Astous & Amy Maida Wadsworth (2019) Autism aging, Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, 40:3, 322-338, DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2016.1247073
- ↑ About Autism, Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- ↑ What is autism?, National Autistic Society
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Geretsegger M, Fusar-Poli L, Elefant C, Mössler KA, Vitale G, Gold C. Music therapy for autistic people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 May 9;5(5):CD004381. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004381.pub4. PMID: 35532041; PMCID: PMC9082683.
