A trial of music therapy compared to music listening for children with autism spectrum disorders

INTERVENTION: Children were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: music therapy (MT) or music listening (ML), using a generated randomization list for each group. At enrolment baseline evaluations to assess global functioning took place. Half of the participants were assigned to the MT group where they received 25 sessions of MT with a qualified music therapist. The other half were assigned to the ML group which involved 25 sessions of ML with no therapeutic intervention. The 25 sessions for each group took place over a period of 8 months. A second evaluation was performed for both groups after 8 months. CONDITION: Autism spectrum disorders ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders ; Autism spectrum disorders PRIMARY OUTCOME: ; Improvement in patient global functioning measured by the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI) at baseline and 8 months; ; SECONDARY OUTCOME: ; Autistic symptom severity measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Behaviour Checklist (ABC) at baseline and 8 months; INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)‐validated diagnosis of ASD 2. Aged 4 to 7 years