Resources & references

Read an article examining the body synchrony of autistic children with their therapists during music therapy sessions. Results of this video microanalysis showed that while there was no significant change in the autistic children's ability to synchronize with therapists at the end of their treatment period, there was a significant increase in the ability of therapists to synchronize with the autistic children. The potential implications of this finding for both future research and practice are discussed.

This video provides music therapy live footage and testimonials of its impact in the life of children and their parents. It documents music therapy with young children within a developmental approach. 
It documents the approach and the work of Jennifer Puckett, MT-BC.

This pilot research investigated eight most commonly used Bruscia’s (1987) clinical improvisation techniques utilised in music therapy with autistic clients: imitating, reflecting, synchronising, extending, symbolising, holding, incorporating, and rhythmic grounding. Improvisations were recorded using LogicPro connected to MalletKAT instruments. Improvisations were analysed using music-adapted technology, the MIDI Toolbox.

Read a case study presenting the use of the non-verbal voice in music therapy for a young girl with severe intellectual disabilities, complex needs, and autism to build connections within herself and with the music therapist.

Children with autism have historically received individual music therapy sessions; however they can also benefit from small group work where they can have a shared musical experience.