Traditionally, simulants, antipsychotics, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors are prescribed to enhance social functionality. Unfortunately, these pharmacologic treatments only mask the underlying problems and can further contribute to social isolation. Moreover, the pharmacologic regimens, particularly when administered in combinations of medications, result in mood instabilities, over-sedation, extrapyramidal effects, and even physiologic stressors such as tachycardia. The purpose of this project is to evaluate music therapy, a form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), to determine whether its benefits have equal or greater value than traditional clinical and pharmacological ASD interventions. The hypothesis associated with this project was: "Music therapy provides a cost-effective treatment for autism that lacks the undesirable side effects of traditional medications." The evidence-based question associated with this project was: “What are the benefits of music therapy among children with autism spectrum disorder in relation to those who are treated pharmacologically?”
A literature review was performed searching EBSCOhost and CINAHL databases using key words: Music therapy, ASD, CAM, children, and pharmacologic treatment. A total of nine published and peer reviewed articles from this search were included in this review. Results of this review revealed that music therapy can increase positive family interactions, social interactions with peers and teachers at school, development of friendships, and a decrease in overall social isolation. Music therapy is a flexible option, able to be implemented on an individual basis or in group settings. Further benefits of music therapy include a lack of any known negative side-effects, which often accompany pharmacological techniques. Furthermore, music therapy is relatively inexpensive and does not require health care practitioners for implementation at home. Thus, this treatment is accessible to low-income families and those living in underserved areas where healthcare is not readily accessible.
Nurses can utilize the nursing process to advocate for music therapy as an effective treatment for autism. Patient and family members’ knowledge about music therapy should be assessed, along with the current treatment regimen, its effectiveness and side effects. Patient and family education should be provided to inform them about the benefits of music therapy and how to implement it at home. Lastly, an inter-professional team including physicians and case managers should be involved in education about music therapy and incorporating it into the treatment of autism.
As promising outcomes and evidence based practices continue to emerge through research, music therapy will only become more prevalent as a successful form of intervention in both a hospital and school-based setting.
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