The Impact of a Music- and Movement-Based Intervention on Motor Competence, Social Engagement, and Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background/Objectives: The main objective of this manuscript is to evaluate the effects of training, music, and movement intervention on motor functions, social engagement, and behaviors in autistic children. Methods: Twenty-one children with a diagnosis of mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with...

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Main Authors: Chayma Kanzari, Aymen Hawani, Karim Ben Ayed, Maher Mrayeh, Santo Marsigliante, Antonella Muscella
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Children
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/1/87
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Summary:Background/Objectives: The main objective of this manuscript is to evaluate the effects of training, music, and movement intervention on motor functions, social engagement, and behaviors in autistic children. Methods: Twenty-one children with a diagnosis of mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with an age range of 5-to-13 years, were divided into two groups: the experimental group (<i>n</i> = 10) and the control group (<i>n</i> = 11). All participants were examined before (T0) and after the intervention (T1) to evaluate their motor functions (Bruininks–Oseretsky Motor Performance Test (BOT-2)), maladaptive behavior (RCS (Response to Challenge Scale)), and enjoyment and engagement (PACES (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale)). Results: Statistical analysis showed that music and movement intervention significantly improved motor functions such as balance and bilateral coordination (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), social engagement (<i>p</i> = 0.002), and adaptive behaviors (<i>p</i> = 0.005) in children with ASD. Our research supports the feasibility of music and movement intervention and documents the interest in participating in children with ASD. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the benefits of movement and music interventions and can be considered a useful way to manage autism spectrum disorders in the future.
ISSN:2227-9067