Neurological Disorders - Information and Case example

Music Therapy & Neurological Disorders

Music therapy can support children and adolescents with neurological disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. When applied by a registered music therapist, music can be a motivating and meaningful way for goals to be addressed in the areas of:

• Communication.

• Social skills and interaction.

• Anxiety.

• Emotional and Self-regulation.

• Cognition.

• Behaviour.

• Motor skills.

Research demonstrating a stronger activation of the cortical speech and auditory areas in children with ASD when exposed to song suggests musical stimuli may more effectively engage them and assist their learning in areas of deficit (LaGasse, 2014).

Music Therapy interventions have been shown to have positive effects on behaviour, as well as improved emotional understanding and improved social and communication skills (LaGasse, 2014).

The registered music therapist uses a variety of musical interventions applied within a therapeutic relationship to specifically address the individual’s goals. For example:

• Song singing.

• Instrument playing.

• Structured and free improvisation.

• Music and movement.

• Song writing.

• Music and relaxation.

Flexibility within the session, including flexible improvisation methods create opportunities for self-expression, reciprocal interactions, turn taking, and joint attention (Thompson, McFerran & Gold, 2014).

Research has demonstrated that engaging in active music-making increases connectivity in the sensorimotor cortex, and induces cortical plasticity in several brain regions, including those areas involved in motor control and optimising the acquisition of sensory information (Thaut and Janzen, 2019).

Case example

Sarah* is nine years old, has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and participates in individual music therapy once per fortnight.

Sarah’s goals are to develop her capacity to use music-based strategies to reduce and manage her anxiety, express and regulate her emotions. These goals are addressed by supporting Sarah to develop her musical skills and ability to identify the impact that active music making has on her body and emotions, within a supportive, therapeutic context.

Within each session, Sarah is gradually able to participate more in therapeutic singing, playing and discussion with her therapist. Sarah’s family identifies that the sessions have a significant positive impact on Sarah’s anxiety and her capacity to engage and cope in everyday life. 

*Real name not used.