Considering Rhythm for Sensorimotor Regulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is defined as a pervasive developmental disorder that is characterized by deficits in social interaction, qualitative impairment in communication, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). Due to the unknown etiology of autism, researchers have investigated brain anatomy, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry to understand autism further and to assimilate this information with what is known about the behavioral components of autism. The purpose of this paper is not to discuss the social and communicative deficits as defined in autism, but to explore the possibility of an extended profile of autism that includes sensorimotor differences.Furthermore, this paper will explore the possibility that motor difficulties may contribute to deficits observed in social, communicative, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. According to Donnellan et al. (2013), professionals have often been trained to view a person with ASDs different interactions within the environment and different ways of moving as ''autistic behaviors. '' This ''socially constructed'' view of ASD does not account for the growing body of evidence of neurological differences in ASD that would affect sensory perception and motor functioning (Donnellan et al., 2013). Current evidence of these neurological differences and subsequent motor difficulties requires a deeper look at the potential implications and integration of treatment for individuals with autism.Motor evidence in ASD is far from conclusive- it is new, it is controversial, and frankly requires more research. However, the amount of evidence is drawing attention. For example, at least one peer-reviewed scientific journal has devoted an entire issue to manuscripts that explore sensorimotor functioning in individuals with ASD (Torres, Isenhower, Whyatt, & Donnellan, 2013). Therefore, the purpose of this paper will be to review evidence of neurological 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 therapy in this population.Neurological Findings in AutismHistorically, autism was considered a psychogenic disease (originating from emotional stress of poor parenting); however, the psychogenic theories have been dispelled as researchers have demonstrated a neurobiological basis for autism (Nicolson & Szatmari, 2003). Numerous researchers have suggested that genetic factors may influence the abnormal brain development foundational in autism (for a review of studies see Nicolson & Szatmari, 2003). Since the first report of twin studies in 1977 (Folstein & Rutter, 1977; Ritvo, Freeman, Mason-Brothers, & Ritvo, 1985; Smalley, Asarnow, & Spence, 1988) the question is no longer whether autism is a hereditary disease, but more so a question of the particular genes involved, the role that they play (Szatmari & Jones, 2007), and the interaction between said genes and their environment. This genetic susceptibility provides a strong rationale for the atypical development of the brain in early childhood for those later diagnosed with autism.Autopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have implicated several functional and structural brain anomalies in autism involving the brain stem, cerebellum, limbic system, basal ganglia, frontal, and parietal lobes (Bauman & Kemper, 2005; Silver & Rapin, 2012). These cortical and subcortical areas are associated with several tasks including motor skills, language skills, memory, somatosenspry perception, visual perception, emotional regulation, and control of behaviors. Despite the quantity of research that has emerged, pathologic evidence is inconsistent and points to the need for more research (Silver & Rapin, 2012). There are also discrepancies in the literature, likely due to the spectrum of autism (children with ASD may be very different if low or higher functioning), limitations in technology, and the particular research questions posed. …