Music-Based Interventions (MBI) for Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism: Comprehensive Analysis

Background: This study focuses on establishing a framework to evaluate the effectiveness of Indian classical music therapy interventions for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 24 participants (adolescents aged 12–19 years, n = 13; young adults aged 20–30 years, n = 11) were assessed through a three-phase approach.

Methods: Phase one involved the use of the Psychiatric Music Therapy Questionnaire (PMTQ) to create multimodal profiles, assessing various modalities. In Phase two, Carnatic music therapy interventions were implemented, with evaluations conducted at 1, 6, and 12 months, focusing on communication, sensory/physical responses, behavior, cognition, social interaction, emotional/affective states, and musical modalities. Phase three compared baseline data from the first month to post intervention outcomes using controlled observations. Data analysis utilized nonparametric tests.

Results: Quantitative analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis test showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in cognition, communication, sensory/physical responses, social interactions, emotional/affective states, and musical abilities over the 12-month period. Behavioral changes, however, were not statistically significant(p = 0.864) and were further explored qualitatively. Observations revealed outcomes influenced by sensory sensitivities, such as hypersensitivity and sensory-seeking behaviors.

Conclusion: Indian classical music-based interventions significantly enhance developmental domains, including cognition, communication, sensory/physical responses, and social and emotional skills, in individuals with ASD. The study underscores the importance of individualized intervention plans designed to address specific goals, highlighting the critical role of comprehensive assessments and multimodal problem analysis along with response monitoring in the effective implementation of music-based interventions.