Over half of children with ASD possess an intellectual ability below the average (IQ < 85). Music therapy is a kind of intervention, wherein a therapist may help this children promote their social skills by using musical experience.
It is known that children with ASD and ID have impairments in interpersonal communication and poor social skills. They have difficulties in initiating interaction, responding, maintaining eye contact, using appropriate gestures, and waiting for their turn for speaking; also, they find it hard to understand non-literal language, perspective taking, and recognizing emotions.
It has been found that the traditional therapies used for treating children with ASD, such as social skills training, is likely to be less effective for children with severe autistic symptoms who may demonstrate limited intellectual ability, which are more than the half (56%) of this population.
So, how it is Music Therapy used for improving social skills in children with ASD and comorbid ID?
Whereas children with ID have difficulties with verbal therapies used in ASD interventions, such as social skills training, social stories, etc., music is a non verbal therapy that could be useful. Music may be used to increase familiarity and relaxation, whereas active music activities, such as playing an instrument, can provide a point of contact between instructors and children with ASD, thereby helping to build a relationship and promote learning through non-verbal interactions.In group music therapy, children with ASD can learn to tolerate the presence of and physical contact with other people, distinguish between oneself and others, and practice social behavior.
So Music Therapy it is a good alternative for children with ASD and below average IQ.
References:
Yum, Y. N., Lau, W. K. W., Poon, K., & Ho, F. C. (2020). Music therapy as social skill intervention for children with comorbid ASD and ID: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC pediatrics, 20(1), 1-10.
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