Exploring the Neurological implications of Classical Music Pedagogy Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Music in Medicine

Abstract

Music is the medi cine of the mind [1]. Extensive research has explored the impacts of music training, through investigati ​on​ across ​diverse ​ musical domains and ​their ​ neuro-focused aspects [2]. ​Knowledge of the​ direct imp ​lications​ of music education on cognitive development continues to evolve ​​, with ongoing research demonstrating its positive effects on​​neuroplasticity. According to the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, in 2019, 1 in 50 Canadian children aged 1-17 were diagnosed with Autism Spectr um Disorder (ASD). This paper d ​elves​ into the neurological implications of Classical Music Pedagogy Training ​​​ (CMPT)​ on children with ASD. ​Multiple​ studies reviewing the impacts of classical music, comparing the implications of musical training on typical development and ASD, highlight the benefits ​of CMPT for ​ sensory processing, motor skills, and communication ​ aptitudes in children with ASD​ . The paper ​ further highlights​ ​​ the need for standardized terminology within this realm of research, and longitudinal studies ​examining the ​ long-term impacts of CMPT ​​ on children with ASD.