Revisiting Music Therapy and Autism: Benefits at all Levels
Written by Laura Bill, MT-BC
Society has come a long way in terms of accepting and understanding autism. The autistic community has done a great job of advocating for visibility and real changes have happened because of it. Even the DSM-V (the big book that doctors use to diagnose autism and other disorders) updated their terminology to be more reflective of this acceptance. Though honestly, I wasn’t even very familiar with the new levels until writing this blog. So let’s break them down together and talk about how music therapy could look for individuals at each one.
Autism Level 1 (Requiring Support):
Has more socially understood communication skills (most likely verbal and may use full sentences)
May have a harder time initiating social interactions and may miss social cues
May need support staying organized, planning ahead and switching between activities
Music therapy for Level 1 autism would most likely center on supporting the development of social skills. Music can be used to practice nonverbal social cues and create an environment to develop connection. For example, in a drum circle, the leader will often have the group start, stop, go fast or slower, louder or softer etc. through body and music cues. Everyone playing music together creates a natural sense of unity that can then be fostered into friendships. Music therapy can also be used to process feelings relating to negative social interaction and support transitions.
Autism Level 2 (Requiring Substantial Support):
May be verbal or nonverbal with noticeable social communication differences
Sometimes initiates social interaction and may respond in unusual ways, if at all
Support needed to cope with change and repetitive actions are more noticeable to the outside viewer
For someone with Level 2 autism, music therapy can be used in quite a few ways. Depending on the needs of each individual, a music therapy group may be a perfect fit. The group can be structured to practice social skills, such as turn-taking and communication, while also working on personal skills such as regulation, self-expression and motor coordination. If a group is a little too much to begin with, then one-on-one music therapy sessions could be tailored to meet a person's exact needs. The music therapist could then slowly incorporate skills that would help the individual feel ready to join in a group experience.
Autism Level 3 (Requiring Very Substantial Support):
Very limited social communication (verbal and nonverbal)
Rarely initiates and responds to social interaction
Coping with changes and repetitive actions interfere with all aspects of daily living
Music therapy can be a really good fit for people with Level 3 autism. Due to its inherent nature, music does not require words and supports interaction by simply playing together. Having a trained professional help guide this musical experience and incorporate other goals such as regulation, expanding shared attention and possibly vocalization is when the most growth is possible. Individual music therapy sessions may be the best starting place to allow for the individual to have more choice and control of the setting (volumes, instruments, length of songs, etc). As they progress over time, they may also benefit from joining a music therapy group.
Though these levels are still relatively new and somewhat debated among the autism community, it still shows society trying to be more accepting and inclusive (at least on paper). Unfortunately, there is still a lot of ignorance in the world. I know some parents/guardians who feel uncomfortable taking their loved ones out in the community for fear of judegment. Even if the discomfort or a lack of understanding of others isn’t made known through words or actions (though people will say and do some very rude things), the “look” often says it all. As a sibling of an autistic sister, I know it is not easy. That is why at Riverstone Therapies we aim to create a place where everyone is accepted just as they are. No matter what level of autism or what diagnosis, we will use music in any way we can to help. Society still has a long way to go, but we hope to be a stepping stone on the journey to acceptance.
