MUSICAL EXPERIENCES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE WITH AUTISM: BETWEEN SOUNDS, GESTURES, AFFECTS, AND EXPRESSION

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that may involve difficulties with social communication, interaction, and behavioral flexibility, as well as sensory differences and repetitive behavioral patterns. In this context, music and music therapy serve as therapeutic resources capable of fostering communication, social interaction, emotional expression, and self-regulation. This paper discusses the use of music in clinical practice with individuals with ASD, highlighting its neurological underpinnings and its potential to stimulate various brain regions associated with auditory perception, movement, memory, motivation, and emotion. Musical processing can engage extensive neural networks—which, in some cases, remain more intact than those involved in spoken language—thereby offering an alternative pathway for communication and interaction. Furthermore, rhythm can act as an external organizing force, aiding in the anticipation of actions, motor coordination, and behavioral organization. Thus, music constitutes a significant therapeutic tool, contributing to experiences of communication, expression, and bonding in the clinical care of individuals with ASD.