Effect of an Indian Percussion Music Instrument on the Oral Health, Motor Skills and Social Skills of Children with Autism

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are characterized by deficit in social skills. Motor skill impairments and poor oral health are consistent with these individuals. An intervention targeting an improvement in multiple deficits of ASD needs to be developed. This study aimed to improve the oral health status, motor skills and social skills of children with autism by means of a music therapy involving self-playing a percussion music instrument.  Methods: This study employed a randomized controlled trial design where children with autism between 4-12 years of age were divided into a control (n=12) and an experimental (n=12) group. Both groups were given the music therapy that involved training in playing the Tabla. The control group received only oral hygiene instructions whereas the experimental group received a music therapy intervention along with the oral hygiene instructions. Standardized scales were used for measuring the oral health status, motor skills and social skills. Descriptive independent t-test was done for intergroup comparison and paired t-test was done for intragroup comparison. Results: There was a significant change in the plaque index, motor skills, social participation and social reciprocation of the participants in the experimental group. Conclusion: This study showed that music therapy for children with autism through playing the Tabla shows potential for improving their oral health, motor skills and social skills.