The Effect of Music on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Music Therapy

Abstract

 Whether we notice it or not, different types of music have different effects on us and our brains. Do you ever wonder why you prefer a specific song and why it makes you feel good? The reason for this is that certain parts of your brain, such as the cerebellum or amygdala, are important for processing music, and listening to music releases neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which makes you feel good. Now imagine if your brain worked differently than everyone else's, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). How would it integrate music now? Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder integrate information and perceive emotions differently. This suggests that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder might integrate music stimuli differently as well. Additionally, the way that they integrate music differently can also be used to help them in the form of music therapy. In this research paper, we will explore what Autism Spectrum Disorder is, how music is normally integrated compared to how it’s integrated in a brain with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and what music therapy and its benefits are.