Rhythm, movement, and autism: using rhythmic rehabilitation research as a model for autism

Abstract

Recently, there has been increased focus on movement and sensory abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This has come from research demonstrating cortical and cerebellar differences in autism, with suggestion of early cerebellar dysfunction. As evidence for an extended profile of ASD grows, there are vast implications for treatment and therapy for individuals with autism. Persons with autism are often provided behavioral or cognitive strategies for navigating their environment; however, these strategies do not consider differences in motor functioning. One accommodation that has not yet been explored in the literature is the use of auditory rhythmic cueing to improve motor functioning in ASD. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the potential impact of auditory rhythmic cueing for motor functioning in persons with ASD. To this effect, we review research on rhythm in motor rehabilitation, draw parallels to motor dysfunction in ASD, and propose a rationale for how rhythmic input can improve sensorimotor functioning, thereby allowing individuals with autism to demonstrate their full cognitive, behavioral, social, and communicative potential.

The Effect of Movement Activities in Synchronization With Music on Motor Proficiency of Children With Autism

“…Some basic disabilities may lead to incoordination and deficits in motor planning which eventually affects their motor skills negatively. Considering the fact that the regular and rhythmic behavior in cerebellar dysfunction remains normal [25] with the higher interest and musical perception in ASD children in comparison to normal peers [41][42][43], we can suggest that motor activities synchronized with music can be an affective therapeutic strategy in ASD motor rehabilitation. In our previous records the cognitive skills of people with schizophrenia improved by music interventions [44][45][46].…”

“…In support of those findings, Taut et al (2010) announced that rhythmic auditory stimulation can increase movement speed, motor coordination and length of steps in persons with neurological disorders. They noted that rhythmic auditory stimuli can correct general pattern of motions as well as affecting motor timing much faster than other gradual trainings [16,25].…”

“…Review articles in music therapy and autism revealed that most studies in this field have been case studies or case series with small sample sizes. In addition, most of the extracted results had used pre and posttest assessment on the same experimental group without having any control group [25].…”

Strategies to develop putative biomarkers to characterize the female phenotype with autism spectrum disorders

“…Perhaps recruiting the PNS in ASD and guiding it through more primitive subcortical mechanisms, particularly those involved in affective and emotional regulation, tempo, rhythm, etc., would lead to better focus, self-regulation, and eventually, intentional control. Taking this "back-door" route in neurological music therapies (Hardy and LaGasse 2013) has helped children find autonomy and self-regulate, as suggested also by metronome-based interventions and interventions that involve the acquisition by low-functioning, nonverbal individuals with ASD of independent typing and communication abilities through emotional support (Dowden and Marriner 1995;Kasa-Hendrickson et al 2009;Orlievsky and Curkier 2013). Timing and rhythms seem to be critical to connect with the individual with ASD (Amos 2013; Barnhill 2013).…”

Art of Music, as Harmony of the Spheres and Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Many studies have proved that, a deficiency in brain signaling system caused motor deficit of the ASD brain which prevents an affected individual to respond adequately to their milieu, leads to an incompetence to plan, start and successfully finish a motor sequence [59,60]. Hardy and LaGasse have reported that, rhythmic music offers a stimulus that has been widely shown in the rehabilitation related literatures [61]. MT due to the nonverbal, nonthreatening nature is very organizing for the brain and naturally provides a structured way to present information, so that optimal learning can be achieved with the help of a trained music therapist.…”