Musicotherapy as a non-pharmacological treatment for childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a literature review

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the role of music therapy in the socialization of children affected by the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as its effects on the treatment and improvement in quality of life. Bibliographic review: Music therapy has been used as an aid in the treatment of ASD. Studies prove that music can have a great impact on the cortical areas of the brain, generating benefits and positive influences on the particularities of individuals. Moreover, the literature highlights the importance of music therapy in the socialization process of children with ASD, showing significant improvements in the development of their daily activities, perceptions, control, listening, and ritualisms, which enables interaction and shared communication. Final considerations: We can perceive the efficacy and comprehensiveness of the use of music therapy in the treatment of ASD, since this therapy allows for great impacts on the quality of life of affected patients. Moreover, it is possible to notice that the environment and interpersonal relationships influence, in a positive or negative way, the effectiveness of the treatment.