Considering Rhythm for Sensorimotor Regulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are traditionally characterized by a lack of social emotional processing, repetitive behaviors, and cognitive inflexibility. However, researchers and clinicians are beginning to recognize an extended profile of ASD that includes deficits in sensorimotor skills. This extended profile has emerged from advances in technology that allow for precise measurement of motor movements and observation of neuroanatomical differences of motor areas in the brain of persons with ASD. Although this research may provide insight as to extended needs of children with autism, inconsistent findings regarding motor skills and neurological structures also lead to more questions about the nature of autism. As evidence for motor differences in ASD grows, there are potential implications for treatment and therapy for individuals with autism. The purpose of this paper is to review evidence of motor differences in ASD, present clinical findings within motor research, and then to draw parallels from existing music therapy sensorimotor treatment to maximize the benefits of music therapy. Concepts are illustrated in a case example of a boy with ASD and motor dyspraxia.