If you work with children with autism, you have probably targeted social skills on a regular basis. A deficit in social skills is one of the most identifiable characteristics of autism, leading to life-long challenges in developing relationships with others, functioning within social environments, and working as a productive member of a community. This area of need was the focus of a recent synthesis that compared studies investigating different treatment interventions that target social skills. Continue reading
Author Archives: Blythe
Systematic Review of CAM Treatments
There are countless complementary and alternative medical treatments (CAM) for children with autism – from nutritional supplements to oxygen treatments, there are numerous options for trying to alleviate or improve characteristics of ASD. With all the options out there, what should we say to the parent/administrator who asks about the use of CAM treatments for children with autism? A recent systematic review looked into novel and emerging treatments – with some good news for music therapy. Continue reading
Getting Started: Pardon my dust
Over the past 9 years working in the music therapy profession, the number one comment I hear when talking to other professionals about evidence-based practice is “I just do not have time to keep up with the research”. As a professor in an evidence-based music therapy program, I can honestly say that I read a lot of research. Not only do I read research, I love to share the different findings with others. I hope this blog will provide a much-needed service to the working music therapy clinician by providing research updates on a regular basis.