As I mentioned in an early blog (July 2024), I recently started working with a number of children on the Autism Spectrum (ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder). Each child is different, but research is showing that children with ASD have motor skills deficits. The question is, why is that even an issue? Does that play a role in other skill development? This pilot study aimed to investigate that very issue.
Telehealth became important in the treatment of many issues, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic which swept over the entire planet. Hospitals and other facilities were over-run with COVID patients and just trying to survive. Technology allowed for therapists to meet with their patient over various software programs that did not require an “in person” visit. It was through this process that this particular pilot study wanted to explore if movement and interventions using music would help improve attention skills.
Two Neurologic Music Therapists (NMT’s) and caregivers were involved with 5 children with a diagnosis of ASD. Multiple non-musical, standardized tests were used to establish various criteria and evaluate the children’s functional level. Since these sessions were conducted over telehealth, it was imperative that caregivers be involved with the children ranging in age from 5 to 10 years of age. They received 9 NMT sessions, which the therapists and caregivers felt were effective.
Motor skills showed a significant improvement even after 2 weeks, but attention skills did not. However, since qualitative statements were included in the data, it was deducted that children who had less sensory concerns did show more improvement than those that had multiple sensory issues. Most importantly, using telehealth as a modality for treatment showed promise through this research program.
For more information on music therapy, visit our website at www.centralohiomusictherapy.com or the American Music Therapy Association’s website at www.musictherapy.org. You can also visit the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy at https://nmtacademy.co/.
Richard Williams, N., Hurt Thaut, C., Brian, J., Tremblay, L., Pranjic, M., Teich, J., Tan, M., Kowaleski, J., Thaut, M. (2024). Improved motor skills in autistic children after three weeks of neurologic music therapy via telehealth: a pilot study. Front. Psychol. 15:1355942. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1355942
Stephanie H. Morris, MM, LPMT, MT-BC
Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow
Central Ohio Music Therapy, LLC