Benefits of Music Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Article Review

Summary of Study:

Lately there has been a growing interest in research exploring how music therapy can support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A recent systematic review and meta-analysis from 2024, titled “The Effect of Music Therapy on Language Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” explores this topic in great depth. The large-scale research documented in this review is significant, as it connects directly to current training and clinical applications in the field of music therapy.

The article analyzed 18 randomized controlled trials involving more than 1,400 children with ASD, focusing on the effects of music therapy on language, communication, and social skills. The results provide strong encouragement for continued integration of music therapy into treatment approaches for children with ASD.

Examples of Research Findings Across Essential Functional Domains:

Language and Communication:

Music therapy resulted in significant improvements in the area of language and communication. Children were better able to express themselves and respond to others after participating in music-based sessions. Participation in music-based sessions strengthened children’s ability to express themselves and engage with others.

Social Skills: 

Children were engaging more with peers and adults after music therapy sessions. 

Behavioral Challenges: 

There were improvements in behavior, including reductions in repetitive behaviors and enhanced emotional regulation. 

Sensory Processing: 

Music therapy supported children in responding more effectively to sensory stimuli. 

Self-Help Skills: 

Improvements were also observed in daily living skills, such as increased independence in dressing and eating, after music therapy sessions.

Why This Matters—A Personal Reflection:

Reading this article allowed me to reflect on some of the experiences I’ve encountered during my clinical training as a music therapy intern. I have seen firsthand how music can open doors for patients undergoing treatment through music therapy--offering opportunities that traditional talk-based therapies may not always provide. Rhythm, melody, and shared music-making uniquely foster a safe and motivating environment in which children with ASD can explore connections in many ways.

It’s reassuring to know that the work I am doing during my music therapy internship is not only inspiring my growth as an emerging professional, but is also supported by a strong foundation of research. On days when a session may feel chaotic or a client appears disengaged, I remind myself that this field of work really matters. I wholeheartedly believe that music therapy--especially when working with individuals diagnosed with ASD--can truly make a meaningful difference. 

Takeaways:

The article acknowledges that there is still much to learn. However, an important takeaway from this article is that the studies did not all utilize the same music therapy approach. Significant differences existed in session length, music choice, and whether or not the therapist was formally certified. This serves as an important reminder that individualized approaches are crucial, as no single method is universally effective for all clients.

It’s also exciting to consider how future research might uncover the specific ways music affects the brain of children with ASD. Greater understanding will allow us, as music therapy professionals, to provide more effective individualized support for our clients. 

Whether you’re a parent, a therapist-in-training, or simply curious about the impact of music therapy, I encourage you to explore this article for yourself and consider how ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of music’s therapeutic potential and inform effective therapeutic strategies.

-Sally Waits, Music Therapy Intern

Reference:

Chen, M., Hu, A., Long, Q., Lee, Y., Shi, Z., & Wang, S. (2024). The effect of music therapy on language communication and social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, Article 1336421. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336421

Hello!

Hello!

My name is Anna Ogletree, and I’m thrilled to begin my internship journey at Therabeat, Inc.! I am originally from Augusta, Georgia, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy at Georgia College & State University, with plans to graduate in December 2025.

Music has always played a central role in my life, so it felt natural to pursue a career rooted in its transformative power. Like many others, I had no idea what music therapy is until I first learned about it through a career aptitude test in middle school. The field immediately piqued my interest, and as I explored it further during college, I truly fell in love with the work. I’m honored to be continuing my education and professional development at Therabeat, Inc.

My first few weeks have been an incredible experience. I’ve had the opportunity to observe a diverse range of music therapy sessions, each uniquely tailored to support clients with varying diagnoses and individualized goals. Every session has been a beautiful display of creativity and progress. I’ve also appreciated the chance to observe physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions, which have broadened my understanding of interdisciplinary care. The team at Therabeat has been exceptionally welcoming, and their willingness to share knowledge and guidance has already made a meaningful impact.

I’m eager to continue growing in this supportive and dynamic environment, and I can’t wait to see what the next six months hold as I work toward becoming a board-certified music therapist!

-Anna Ogletree, Music Therapy Intern

Hello Everyone!

My name is Sally, and I’m so excited to be one of the newest Music Therapy interns here at Therabeat Inc. at InHarmony Pediatrics! I’m currently completing my undergraduate degree at Georgia College, and my primary instrument is voice. I’m a proud soprano!

My first week with Therabeat has been incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to sit in on over 20 sessions and meet clients with a wide range of strengths and needs. Each client has been truly amazing, and the staff has been equally wonderful. I’ve felt so welcomed, and the passion for music therapy here is genuinely contagious.

While I feel incredibly supported by the team, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that starting an internship can feel overwhelming. I’m surrounded by experienced professionals who know every client, every corner of the building, and what it means to be a music therapist. That can definitely feel intimidating, but I know I can always reach out to my supervisors for guidance and encouragement when I need it. Plus, reflecting on the hard work and accomplishments I achieved during undergrad reminds me that I’m capable and prepared for this next step.

This week, I’ve encountered clients with needs that are completely new to me. Observing sessions has already pushed me to think beyond my current intervention toolkit and consider creative, individualized ways to meet each client where they are. Also, there are a lot of clients! But honestly, that’s a great thing.

Outside of sessions, I’ve been reading The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz (2005). It’s a compassionate, insightful, and highly practical resource. I finished the book feeling more empathetic toward children with sensory processing challenges and even more motivated to support them as I grow in my role as a therapist. The message is clear: every child is doing their best, even if that best looks different from what we may expect.

I’ve also connected with the other three interns here, and I already feel lucky to have them alongside me. Asila and Rebecca have been such amazing MT interns to observe, as they cater each session towards the clients strengths and needs. At the end of our first week, Anna and I joined the group for lunch—and we ended up staying and talking for three hours! I’m looking forward to watching them grow at Therabeat and beyond, and I’m already looking forward to catching up at future conferences (and hopefully another long lunch!).

I’m excited to continue meeting new clients who will eventually become part of my caseload. Most of all, I’m excited for the future. If my first week at Therabeat is any indication of what’s ahead, I feel confident that I’ll be happy and fulfilled as a board-certified music therapist.

Here we go!

-Sally Waits, Music Therapy Intern

Farewell

With my internship at Therabeat finally coming to a close, I have been reflecting on all  the experiences and memories I've made along this journey. My time at Therabeat has taught me so much, from improving my therapeutic techniques and growing my musical skills to what kind of music therapist I want to be. It is hard to believe that the 6 months have now ended.

I have had the amazing opportunity to work with so many different populations, ages, and backgrounds. Through every interaction with clients and families, I've observed the profound impact that music can have. Each session has come with its learning opportunities, and it is hard to put into words how much I have grown over the past 6 months. I have learned how to be flexible when sessions do not always go according to plan. I have learned how to be prepared and open-minded when it comes to communicating and facilitating a plan of care. I have learned how to collaborate with a wide variety of other disciplines and how to provide effective collaborative intervention. Overall, I have learned how to trust in the skills that I already have and to continue to grow in new ones.

I am so beyond thankful for the clinical training I have received. Learning from a variety of supervisors has provided me with a range of experiences that I believe will carry me far in my clinical practice. Over the past 6 months, I have felt a shift in my mindset from being a student music therapist to becoming an emerging professional, and I am so excited to continue to see how I continue to grow from here. The interactions I’ve had with  both clients and supervisors have been the best part, and I will miss seeing everyone around the clinic!

-Rebecca Smith, Music Therapy Intern

A Bittersweet Goodbye

It’s hard to believe that my six-month internship at Therabeat has come to an end. The time has flown by, and as I sit down to reflect, I’m filled with a mix of gratitude, excitement, and sadness. This chapter has meant so much to me, both personally and professionally.

Over the past few months, I’ve grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first stepped through the doors of Therabeat. I have learned how to adapt in the moment, whether that means improvising while reading a book with a client or adjusting an entire session plan based on what the client needs that day. I’ve gained confidence in leading individual sessions from start to finish, developed skills in managing a variety of behaviors, and collaborated with other disciplines to ensure we were always working in the best interest of each client.

Throughout my internship, I also had the opportunity to build a diverse library of resources including visuals, interventions, and communication tools. I’m incredibly thankful to have these resources, knowing how useful those materials will be in future settings. (I definitely became well acquainted with the laminator!) I also learned how to effectively communicate with families about progress in music therapy. I came to understand how meaningful and supportive those conversations can be in a client’s journey. One of the most rewarding parts of that process has been seeing clients light up when they share their session experiences with their families. Whether it’s a new skill they’ve learned or a song they love, watching their pride and excitement grow has been incredibly special.

But as valuable as those experiences have been, what I’ll miss most are the people. Each one has left a mark on me in their own way. Building those therapeutic relationships has been the heart of this experience, and saying goodbye is truly bittersweet. Thank you to everyone at Therabeat for your incredible support throughout this internship chapter. I truly couldn’t have done it without you!

-Asila Folds, Music Therapy Intern