Volume 10, Issue 3, March – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1436

Evaluating the Lasting Advantages of

Music Therapy for Children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder
Dr. Prince Akomea Kodiah1; Dr. Elena Sorokina2
1
Saratov State Medical University
2
I.M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University

Publication Date: 2025/03/31

Abstract: Music therapy is increasingly acknowledged as an effective approach for supporting children diagnosed with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing a distinctive avenue to enhance communication and social engagement. This
article investigates the long-term benefits of music therapy for this population, focusing on itseffects on social abilities,
emotional management, and cognitive growth. Findings suggest that music therapy not only delivers immediate therapeutic
outcomes but also fosters lasting improvements in the overall well-being and functioning of children with ASD.

Keywords: Music Therapy; Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); Children; Social Skills; Emotional Management; Cognitive Growth;
Therapeutic Outcomes; Long-Term Benefits; Communication; Engagement; Evidence-based Interventions; Empirical Studies;
Treatment Protocols.

How to Cite: Dr. Prince Akomea Kodiah; Dr. Elena Sorokina (2025). Evaluating the Lasting Advantages of Music Therapy for
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology,
10(3), 1532-1536. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1436

I. INTRODUCTION regulating emotional reactions (Farrugia & Hudson, 2020).

Early intervention is widely considered crucial for effectively
 Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder. addressing these hurdles; consequently, a variety of
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a therapeutic models—both traditional and alternative—have
multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition affecting roughly been developed to assist children with ASD.
1 in 54 children globally (CDC, 2020). Those diagnosed with
ASD experience a diverse array of challenges related to social  Conventional versus Alternative Therapies.
communication, restrictive behaviors, and sensory Traditional therapies aimed at treating ASD generally
processing. Symptoms can vary greatly among individuals; encompass behavioral interventions such as Applied
however, prevalent characteristics often include difficulties in Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational
both verbal and non-verbal communication, limited interests, therapy. ABA is among the most commonly utilized
repetitive actions, and varying degrees of sensitivity to evidence-based practices focused on altering behaviors
sensory input (Lord et al., 2020). The emergence of ASD through reinforcement techniques (Lovaas, 2003). Although
symptoms typically occurs before three years of age; thus ABA has proven effective in enhancing specific skills like
early identification and intervention are vital for enhancing communication and adaptive behavior, it has faced criticism
long-term outcomes. Although the precise origins of ASD due to its intensive nature and emphasis on behavior
remain unclear, it is believed that both genetic predispositions modification—which can sometimes overshadow emotional
and environmental factors contribute to its onset (Sandin et growth and social reciprocity (Schreibman et al., 2015). In
al., 2017). While the underlying pathology associated with contrast to conventional therapies,...
ASD is not completely understood, studies suggest that
irregularities in brain structure and function—particularly [12:41, 3/7/2025] K Prince 2: *Alternative therapies for
within regions responsible for communication, social children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are
processing, and sensory integration—may significantly increasingly recognized, with music therapy emerging as a
influence its expression (Hughes et al., 2019). particularly effective method. Defined as the clinical
application of music to achieve therapeutic outcomes, music
Due to the widespread impact of this condition, children therapy is based on the premise that music possesses distinct
with ASD frequently encounter obstacles that interfere with qualities capable of fostering emotional and social growth
their daily lives—including challenges in establishing peer (Bruscia, 2014). In contrast to conventional therapies that
relationships, participating in age-appropriate activities, and typically emphasize structured behavioral modifications,

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Volume 10, Issue 3, March – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1436
music therapy provides a creative and non-verbal means of  To underscore the long-lasting advantages associated with
expression. This aspect is especially advantageous for music therapy for autistic children.
children with ASD, who often find traditional communication  To investigate how integrating music therapy into
and social interactions challenging. standard treatment regimens could benefit children with
ASD further.
Music therapy encompasses various modalities, which
may include individual or group sessions involving singing, II. LITERATURE REVIEW
playing instruments, or simply listening to music. Sessions
are generally facilitated by a qualified music therapist who  Definition of Music Therapy.
customizes interventions according to each child's unique Music therapy constitutes a therapeutic approach
requirements. Crucially, the objective of music therapy is to wherein a trained professional utilizes musical techniques to
promote social interaction, emotional expression, and sensory facilitate advancements in emotional well-being, cognitive
integration in an enjoyable yet therapeutic context (Aigen, abilities, and social interaction skills among participants.
2019). While often categorized as an alternative or Activities may encompass listening exercises, playing
complementary treatment method, there is an expanding body instruments, singing, and engaging in improvisation are all
of research validating its efficacy in addressing fundamental activities designed to foster healing and enhance overall
ASD symptoms. Evidence suggests that music therapy can functioning. Within the realm of autism, music therapy serves
enhance social skills, communication capabilities, and as a valuable tool for assisting children with ASD in
emotional regulation—areas where children with ASD developing communication abilities, social skills, and
frequently encounter difficulties (Gold et al., 2013). emotional regulation (Thompson et al., 2020).
Moreover, due to its highly personalized nature, music
therapy can be adjusted to meet the specific needs and Evidence indicates that the success of music therapy is
preferences of individual children. largely attributed to its multisensory characteristics. By
engaging both the emotional and cognitive aspects of the
Although traditional therapies have long served as the brain, music provides a non-verbal medium that proves
foundation for treating ASD, their limitations have sparked especially advantageous for children with ASD who often
greater interest in alternative options like music therapy. face challenges with verbal communication (Hodgson et al.,
Parents and healthcare professionals increasingly seek 2022). This therapeutic modality allows children with ASD
therapies that not only target behavioral issues but also to articulate their feelings, forge connections with others, and
support comprehensive development encompassing cultivate essential skills that can significantly improve their
emotional, social, and cognitive dimensions. The research quality of life.
backing the potential long-term benefits of music therapy for
children with ASD underlines its capacity to encourage  Summary of Significant Research Studies.
engagement while alleviating anxiety and enhancing Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of
communication skills—qualities that make it a valuable music therapy for children diagnosed with ASD. For instance,
adjunct to standard therapeutic practices (Geretsegger et al., Kim et al. (2021) revealed that music therapy led to
2014). In conclusion, Autism Spectrum Disorder poses substantial enhancements in social behaviors and
distinct challenges necessitating diverse treatment strategies. communication among autistic children. The research
While established therapies such as Applied Behavior incorporated both individual and group sessions,
Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy may enhance specific demonstrating notable improvements in interactions with
behaviors, they do not always fulfill the emotional and social peers and caregivers. Similarly, Gold et al. (2018) found that
needs of children with ASD. Music therapy stands out as a music therapy played a crucial role in advancing joint
promising alternative focused on non-verbal expression and attention—a vital social skill frequently hindered in children
emotional regulation that can effectively complement or on the autism spectrum.
augment traditional methods. This paper will delve into the
enduring benefits of music therapy for children with ASD by Furthermore, LaGasse (2019) illustrated how music
examining supporting evidence and its potential impact on therapy facilitated better emotional regulation by alleviating
improving long-term outcomes. anxiety and reducing aggression in children with ASD. This
study emphasized how music creates a soothing environment
 Objectives of the Article. that aids these children in managing their emotions more
This article seeks to assess the enduring benefits of effectively while decreasing stress levels.
music therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD). By reviewing current literature and Additionally, Magee and Davidson (2020) explored the
analyzing recent research findings, this article will long-term effects of music therapy, revealing sustained
concentrate on the following goals: improvements in communication and social skills up to six
months after treatment concluded. This finding highlights the
 To explain what music therapy entails and its significance enduring benefits of music therapy for autistic children,
concerning ASD. suggesting that its positive effects can persist beyond formal
 To evaluate how effective music therapy is in enhancing intervention periods.
social skills along with emotional and cognitive
outcomes.

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Volume 10, Issue 3, March – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1436
 Therapeutic Methods and their Effectiveness engagement, particularly beneficial for those who struggle
In treating autism through music therapy, two primary with interpreting social cues (Geretsegger et al., 2019).
approaches are typically employed: active and receptive Moreover, group music therapy promotes a sense of
music therapy. Active music therapy engages the child community and collaboration, encouraging connections
directly through musical activities such as instrument playing, among peers with ASD. These interactions provide
singing, or improvisation—encouraging interaction and opportunities to practice social skills within a supportive
communication. Conversely, receptive music therapy focuses setting. Research by Thompson et al. (2020) and Gold et al.
on listening to music and responding emotionally to it; this (2018) highlighted that group sessions not only facilitated
approach aids children in emotional regulation while friendship formation but also strengthened social ties among
fostering a deeper connection to their surroundings. Research children on the autism spectrum.
has demonstrated that both strategies effectively support
socialization, emotional management, and cognitive growth.  Emotional Management.
A study by Geretsegger et al. (2019) indicated that active Music therapy plays a crucial role in helping children
sessions improved social behaviors among autistic children with autism manage their emotions. Many individuals with
while receptive methods were particularly successful at ASD experience heightened anxiety and emotional
minimizing emotional outbursts and enhancing awareness of fluctuations, which can lead to behavioral issues. When
emotions. applied thoughtfully and calmly, music serves as an
expressive outlet for managing feelings. Magee and Davidson
III. METHODOLOGY (2020) demonstrated that involvement in music therapy
resulted in lower anxiety levels and fewer emotional outbursts
 Research Compilation Process. compared to those who did not participate in such
The methodology employed in this article involves an interventions. The ability of music to evoke emotional
extensive review of recent research concerning the influence responses while fostering a serene atmosphere enables
of music therapy on children with autism spectrum disorder children with ASD to better cope with stressors, promoting
(ASD). Selected studies were chosen based on their relevance emotional resilience.
to the topic at hand, publication within the last five years, and
focus on evaluating how effective music therapy is at  Cognitive Advancement.
enhancing social skills as well as emotional and cognitive Another essential area where music therapy
outcomes for these young individuals with ASD. Both demonstrates positive effects is cognitive development.
quantitative and qualitative studies were included to provide Research indicates that it enhances attention spans, memory
a comprehensive assessment of therapeutic results. retention, and problem-solving capabilities among children
with ASD. The use of rhythm and melody during therapeutic
 Categories of Studies Analyzed. sessions has been linked to improved neural connectivity
The analyzed studies within this article are categorized relevant to cognitive functioning (Kim et al., 2021). Children
into three overarching themes: engaged in musical activities like drumming or singing
exhibit greater focus and compliance with instructions—
 Social Outcomes: Research focusing on how music skills crucial for their educational progress.
therapy impacts social skills including communication
abilities, social interaction patterns, and peer V. DISCUSSION
relationships.
 Emotional Regulation: Investigations into how  Sustained Benefits of Music Therapy.
engagement with music affects children's emotional The long-term benefits of music therapy for autistic
responses, anxiety levels and emotional awareness. children are becoming increasingly evident. Studies suggest
 Cognitive Development: Investigations into the influence that improvements gained from this therapeutic approach can
of music therapy on cognitive abilities, such as attention, persist beyond the conclusion of formal sessions. For
memory, and problem-solving skills. instance, Magee and Davidson (2020) noted continued
enhancements in social interaction and communication skills
These aspects highlight the various benefits of music six months after completing therapy. This finding suggests
therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), that abilities developed during these interventions become
enriching the understanding of its lasting positive effects. ingrained over time, allowing application across various daily
situations. Additionally, the positive impact of music therapy
IV. FINDINGS on emotional regulation has significant long-term
ramifications; by learning emotion management through
 Improved Social Skills. musical engagement, children are better equipped to face
A significant discovery in current research indicates that challenges in diverse settings such as schools, homes, and
music therapy improves social skills in children with autism. social environments.
Wimpory et al. (2021) found that children participating in
music therapy showed marked advancements in social  Effects on Family Relationships.
interactions, including increased eye contact, turn-taking, and Beyond benefiting children diagnosed with autism,
conversation initiation. The structured and rhythmic nature of music therapy also positively affects family dynamics.
music fosters a predictable environment conducive to social Parents and caregivers often encounter considerable stress

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Volume 10, Issue 3, March – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1436
due to the complexities involved in raising a child on the peer interactions. Journal of Autism and
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research is essential to comprehensively comprehend the with autism spectrum disorder." Cochrane Database of
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ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1436
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