Harmonizing voices: exploring the integration of music and speech therapy in enhancing communication skills in children with ASD

Abstract

This research paper examines the impact of music and music therapy techniques in enhancing the communication and social skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The studies addressed in this paper demonstrate how music therapy, such as Improvisational Music Therapy (IMT), has been shown to help improve non-verbal communication behaviors such as joint attention and turn-taking in children with ASD. This paper also discusses evidence supporting the idea that children with ASD who engage in music therapy demonstrate great improvements in verbal communication and social skills, such as understanding and perspective-taking. This research reveals that music is beneficial in enhancing sensory and emotional regulation, creating an environment conducive to effective communication. Overall findings support the idea that music therapy can be used in collaboration with speech therapy to help improve the communication skills of children with ASD. Keywords: Communication disorders, music therapy, autism spectrum disorder, vocal communication, joint attention, social skills, sensory integration, emotional regulation