Resources

 Research by Geretsegger M, Elefant C, Mössler KA, Gold C. (2014) was published in Cochrane Review. It found that music therapy was superior to placebo and standard care of children with Autism in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communicative skills, initiating behaviour, socio-emotional reciprocity, joy, social adaption and parent-child relationship. It was found that there was no side effects caused by music therapy. 

 Numerous studies have been undertaken to investigate the effects of music therapy in managing anxiety, aggressive behaviour. A study conducted by Hakvoort and colleagues (2015) investigated the effect of music therapy in managing anger, aggression and dysfunctional behaviour for people with psychosocial disability. It was found that music therapy improved coping and management of anger and aggression for people facing psychosocial challenges.

An independent review carried out by Autism Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) as engaged by NDIA studied the best available evidence for supporting children on the autism spectrum in 2020. It was found, among other things, that   

there are up to four systemic reviews indicating that music therapy as being part of “Sensory-based intervention” category shows positive impacts in:

Social-Communication; Communication; Motor; Social-emotional challenging behaviour; School/learning readiness;  Quality of life; and Caregiver social emotional wellbeing.