title: Music therapy services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a survey of clinical practices and training needs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over the past decade, the definitions, diagnoses, prevalence rates, theories about the causes, evidence-based treatment options, and practice guidelines pertaining to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have undergone numerous changes. While several recent studies evaluate the effects of music therapy interventions for individuals with ASD, no current review reflects the latest music therapy practices and trends.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the status of music therapy practices for serving clients with ASD, the implementation of national ASD standards and guidelines, the awareness of recent developments, and training needs of music therapists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Professional members of the American Music Therapy Association who are working with individuals with ASD served as the sample for this national cross-sectional survey study (N = 328). A 45-item online questionnaire was designed and distributed through email and social media. Participants accessed the online survey through SurveyMonkey®.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings suggest music therapy practices and services for individuals with ASD have shifted and now reflect a slightly higher percentage of caseload, a broader age range of clients, and a trend to serve clients in home and community settings. Most therapeutic processes align with recommended practices for ASD and incorporate several of the recognized evidence-based practices. Less understood or recognized are inclusion practices and latest developments in the field of ASD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Music therapists have a solid understanding of providing services for individuals with ASD, but would benefit from advanced online training and improved information dissemination to stay current with the rapidly changing aspects pertinent to this population.
authors.affiliation: Music Therapy Consulting, Santa Barbara, CA, Marylhurst University, Portland, OR, University of Louisville, KY.
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kern
authors.affiliation: North Central College, Naperville, IL.
authors.forename: Nicole R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Rivera
authors.affiliation: Ossia Music Therapy Services, Chapel Hill, NC.
authors.forename: Alie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chandler
authors.affiliation: Olmsted Falls, OH, AMTA Strategic Priority on Music Therapy and ASD Workgroup, Silver Spring, MD.
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Humpal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000628:therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: autism spectrum disorder; clinical practices; music therapy; national assessment; survey research; training needs