Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum: An Integrative Overview

Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum: An Integrative Overview summarizes the main topics related to the practice of music therapy for autistic people. This integrative perspective emphasizes respect for the voices of this community and highlights those who have contributed to the growth of music therapy practices for autistic people.

The publication gives a historical contextualization of each topic and an up-to-date understanding of current discussions in this area of practice. The term "integrative" is also used to emphasize that the book integrates music therapy topics and knowledge from other areas including neurology, life development, and psychology.

Although the primary focus is on music therapists and music therapy students, the book can also be read by autistic people and their families, professionals in other fields, and anyone interested in the topic.

The book is organized into four central units concerning the themes related with music therapy and the autism spectrum: 1) Beginning the Studies, 2) Fundamental Aspects of Music Therapy Practice, 3) The Spectrum of Theories and Practices in the Field of Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum and 4) Relevant Themes.

Contents

FOREWORD by Ulla Holck

UNIT 1: Beginning the Studies

Chapter 1: Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum—Introductory Considerations

Chapter 2: A Historical Analysis of the Music Therapy and Autism Field—A Spectrum of Different Voices

Chapter 3: Sound–Musical Functioning on the Autism Spectrum

Chapter 4: Research on Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum—A Current Overview

UNIT 2: Fundamental Aspects of Music Therapy Practice

Chapter 5: Music Therapy Assessment and the Autism Spectrum

Chapter 6: Goals and Objectives in the Field of Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum

Chapter 7: Music Therapy Methods in the Autism Context

Chapter 8: Music Therapy for Groups of Autistic People

UNIT 3: The Spectrum of Theories and Practices in the Field of Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum

Chapter 9: Organizing and Classifying Models, Approaches, and Orientations in the Field of Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum

Chapter 10: Improvisational Music Therapy Proposals

Chapter 11: Music as a “Tool/Resource” Proposals

Chapter 12: Collaborative Proposals

Chapter 13: Psychodynamic Proposals

Chapter 14: Proposals Centered on the Autistic Culture and Identity

UNIT 4: Relevant Themes

Chapter 15: Music Therapy for Autistic People During the COVID-19 Pandemic—Some Considerations

Chapter 16: Some Perspectives on Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum: Reflecting on the Writings of this Book

REFERENCES

APPENDIX: Music Therapy Tests Used in the Assessment of Autistic People