Music Therapy and Autism

This volume proposes an innovative method of habilitation/rehabilitation intervention based on a specialized use of music for the development of social skills in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.  Sound and rhythm can activate new emotional regulation resources even in the most complex cases. The system of this method was created twenty years ago at the Diagnosis and Training Observation Laboratory (DTOLab) of the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences of the University of Trento.

These treatment and research programmes, guided by studies and data emerging from neuroscience, demonstrate how calibrated interpersonal experiences can influence mental processes and, through brain plasticity, favor modifications in the structures and functions of the brain. In recent years, the research applied to the interventions has shown us that even in children and adolescents with atypical neurodevelopment, and in particular with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), changes in interactive behaviors are possible.  The studies also illustrate the generalization and stability of these new learnings in various life environments, which show that the changes that have taken place are integrated and profound.

Recommended for
The programme is aimed primarily at music therapists, but can also be used by teachers who have specific training and interests in the subject.