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Music Intervention for Speech Disorders with Autism: A Review and Strategies from an Evidence-Based Perspective

Author(s)

Kaiwei Liang1, Maoping Zheng2, Xiaolin Liu1,*

Affiliation(s)

1Academy of Music, Southwest University, Chongqing, China 2School of Music, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, GuiZhou, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by social impairments and repetitive behaviors. Speech and language disorders are a major feature of ASD and severely impact patients’ ability to adapt socially. In recent years, advances in music therapy, psychology, and neuroscience have highlighted music intervention as a useful supplement for improving speech and language in individuals with ASD. Despite progress, current research faces key limitations in sample size, consistency of interventions, and outcome measure reliability. This paper reviews the literature to examine two methods—Auditory-Motor Mapping Training (AMMT) and Developmental Speech and Language Training through Music (DSLM)—and evaluates the evidence supporting them. While music interventions show potential to enhance language production and speech processing, the overall evidence remains limited. Based on these insights, this study proposes improvements, including standardized interventions, unified evaluation systems, and multicenter studies, to guide future research.

Keywords

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Music Intervention; Speech Disorders; Evidence-based Research; Music Therapy

References

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