Aglieri R

Bonoldi I

Boso M

Broglia D

Emanuele E

Mancini L

Marini M

Politi P

Rampi E

Sommo B

EMANUELE, ENZO

BOSO, MARIANNA

BONOLDI, ILARIA

BROGLIA, DAVIDE

MARINI, MARA

RAMPI, ELISA CARLA

POLITI, PIERLUIGI

Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Pavia

Groovin' high in autism: a computerized analysis of rhythmBackgroundAutism is a long-life condition characterized by poor social interaction, reduced communication skills and stereotyped patterns of behavior (Wing and Gould, 1979). However, several reports suggest that individuals with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) may display special musical and rhythmical abilities. Rhythm may endorse specific communicative and interactive behaviors, thereby being of aid to address some of the core problems of ASD. Specifically, rehabilitative programs based on music can help in overcoming isolation and promote cooperation in autism (Gold et al, 2006).Autistic subjects, typically defined as “non-verbal people”, can use rhythmical features of music to interact efficiently without words, engaging themselves on a more emotional, relationship-oriented level (Alvin 1991).  We have previously shown that nonverbal patterns of communication are possible in autism, thereby representing an important source of integration and spiritual absorption in autistic subjects (Politi et al, 2006). AimsTo investigate some rhythmical features of young adults with ASD as well as to clarify timing abilities in this patient group. MethodsWe studied three male patients (age range: 24-31 years), each with a diagnosis of severe (CARS range=31-42) ASD, as defined with clinical diagnostic criteria (APA 2000). They had no formal music education, nor previous experience of playing in a group. Patients were asked to play drums during a jazz standard, namely "Nostalgia in Times Square" (Charles Mingus), performed during an active music therapy session in our farm community (Cascina Rossago,Pavia). Data analysisWe performed a plug-in based processing of the extracted drum score in a sequencer software (Steinberg Cubase®). Drums music signals were analyzed with Statistical Package (SPSS 11.0).ResultsAll ASD individuals were able to keep rhythm constantly (90% of correct beats). Intriguingly, they anticipate some beats by a sixteenth note, giving a “swing” impression to the listeners. This pattern was found in more than 15% of total beats.ConclusionsOur present data foster speculations about mechanisms underlying rhythm production in autism. Since deep groove and rhythmical anticipation are core features of jazz, further research is needed to shed more light on the musical capacities of ASD in playing jazz.Alvin J, Warwick A (1991): Music therapy for the autistic child. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University PressAmerican Psychiatric Association (2000): DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, Italian translation, Milano: MassonGold C, Wigram T, Elefant C. Music therapy for autistic spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Apr 19;(2):CD004381.Politi P., Boso M., Emanuele E., Ucelli S., Barale F. (2006): Playing with… autism, Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Music Perception & Cognition (ICMPC9). Wing L., Gould J. (1979): Severe impairments of social interaction and associated abnormalities in children: Epidemiology and classification. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 9,1:11-29B. Sommo, R. Aglieri, E. Emanuele, M. Boso, I. Bonoldi,D. Broglia, L. Mancini, M. Marini, E. Rampi, P. Politi Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Scienze Sanitarie Applicate e Psicocomportamentali, Sezione di PsichiatriaCascina Rossago RSD, Ponte Nizza (PV)Fig. 1. The Cubase SX 3.0.2 SoftwareFig. 2. A typical “DrumPart” Table 1. Data extracted from Cubase.

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Groovin' high in autism: a computerized analysis of rhythm

Groovin' high in autism: a computerized analysis of rhythm

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Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Pavia