Publication Date
2026
College
College of Music & Performing Arts
Department
Music, School of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Nicole Richard Williams
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
Background: As music therapists, we often assert that our field is evidence-based. Yet as in any health-care field, there is much opportunity to investigate the efficacy of certain techniques. Improving sensory integration and addressing hyper- and hypo-sensitivities are common music therapy goals when working with autistic individuals. Though music-based interventions for sensory goals are often theoretically coherent and anecdotally efficacious, concrete evidence for their efficacy is lacking. The aim of the current study was to a) identify existing research on music-based interventions for sensory outcomes in autistic individuals and b) identify concrete next steps and questions for researchers to investigate, related to the efficacy of music therapy interventions for sensory goals in autistic individuals. Methods: The current study is a scoping review, which involves a methodical search for peer-reviewed journal articles across databases. Results: Eight articles fitting the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. Conclusions: Many of the studies had promising results, though small sample sizes, poor study designs, and unclear or confounded interventions indicate results must be interpreted with caution. Future research should include clear and replicable interventions, larger sample sizes, more rigorous study designs, and a clear rationale for the connection between intervention and the sensory goal being studied.
Recommended Citation
Cordle, Faith; Briggs, Dorothy; Richard Williams, Nicole; and Irvin, Brooke, "Music Therapy for Sensory Goals in Autism: Existing Evidence and Next Steps" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 636.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/636
