CSUN to Study Effect of Music on Autism

Beginning in the fall semester, Cal State Northridge’s music therapy department will begin research work on children with autism, a state of mind characterized by daydreaming, hallucinations and a disregard of external reality, officials said.

The research, made possible by a $31,252 grant from the Washington, D.C.-based National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, will examine ways in which autistic children can learn to express themselves through music therapy, said Rose Mathias, public relations and program director of the music department at CSUN.

“To get this grant from such a recognized organization is a tremendous boost to the music therapy department,” Mathias said.

Ron Borczon, director of the department, was notified of the grant in February by academy officials. The money arrived in late April, he said.

The research project will involve using a variety of music therapy techniques with 16 autistic children, he said.

Borczon said that psychological and physiological changes occur when people--children or adults--are exposed to music.

“It has been proven that music affects behavior,” Borczon said. “We’re looking for the best technique which will help autistic children communicate with the outside world.”

Founded in 1984, the department teaches students how to use music to treat people with a variety of physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities.

In 1996, the department opened a professional clinic, which the school says is the first of its kind on the West Coast, offering private music-therapy sessions. The clinic now serves 45 clients with two part-time therapists, assisted by 35 students, Borczon said.