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Music Therapy for Children with ADHD and ASD: Benefits, Research, and How HFS® Draws on Similar Principles

Updated: Aug 22

music therapy children ADHD ASD


Introduction


Supporting children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) requires creative, evidence-based approaches that address communication, self-regulation, and social skills. Music therapy is a well-established clinical practice that does exactly that—using music to help children develop crucial abilities in an enjoyable, engaging way.

At the same time, newer skill-building programs—such as HFS® Cognitive Training—draw on some of the same neuroscience-informed principles to support cognitive development, even though they are not therapy themselves.

In this article, we’ll explore what music therapy is, the research behind its benefits for children with ADHD and ASD, and how HFS® is inspired by similar auditory and movement-based strategies to create its own unique approach.




1. What Is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based intervention delivered by credentialed professionals who use music to help clients achieve individualized therapeutic goals. Unlike informal music play or lessons, music therapy sessions are carefully designed to support specific areas of development, such as:

  • Communication and language

  • Social interaction

  • Emotional regulation

  • Attention and impulse control

  • Sensory integration

Certified music therapists use techniques including singing, instrument play, movement to music, listening, and improvisation, all tailored to the child's needs.

Supporting Research

A large body of research supports music therapy’s effectiveness for children with neurodevelopmental conditions:

  • A 2017 Cochrane systematic review analyzed 10 randomized controlled trials and found that music therapy significantly improved social interaction, non-verbal communication skills, and parent–child relationships in children with autism, compared to standard care (Geretsegger et al., 2017).

  • For ADHD, rhythm-based interventions show strong promise. A 2022 meta-analysis concluded that rhythm training improves timing, attention, and executive functions in children with ADHD, directly addressing some of the disorder’s core symptoms (Puyjarinet et al., 2022).

  • Neuroscience research confirms that music engages multiple brain regions simultaneously, including areas for auditory processing, motor control, memory, emotion, and executive function—making it an ideal multisensory learning tool.


2. Benefits of Music Therapy for Children with ADHD and ASD

Music therapy is valued not only for its effectiveness, but also for its ability to turn hard work into play. Here are some of its key benefits, supported by research and clinical practice:

Improved Communication Skills

  • Nonverbal or minimally verbal children can express themselves through singing, rhythm, or movement.

  • Call-and-response songs and musical turn-taking support joint attention and conversational skills.

Enhanced Emotional Regulation

  • Music evokes emotions in a safe, structured way, allowing children to explore, recognize, and express feelings.

  • Calming rhythms and melodies help children practice self-soothing strategies when they're overwhelmed.

Better Attention and Impulse Control

  • Musical activities involve listening, waiting, and responding on time—strengthening inhibitory control.

  • Rhythm games provide structured practice with sequencing and timing, which are crucial for executive function.

Development of Social Skills

  • Group music therapy encourages cooperation, turn-taking, and empathy in a fun, supportive environment.

  • Making music together builds shared goals and a sense of social connection.

Support for Sensory Integration

  • Many children with ASD or ADHD experience sensory processing challenges.

  • Music provides controlled, predictable auditory input that helps modulate sensory responses.

  • Integrating sound with movement supports cross-modal sensory processing.

High Motivation and Engagement

  • Music is inherently fun and motivating, increasing participation even for children who resist other interventions.

  • Motivation supports repetition and practice, which are essential for learning new skills.

In summary, music therapy offers a structured, research-backed way to help children develop essential skills in a joyful, relationship-based environment. Families can learn more about music therapy for autism through reputable resources.


3. How HFS® Draws Inspiration from Music-Based Auditory Training

While HFS® Cognitive Training is not music therapy, it draws on similar evidence-informed principles to support skill-building in an engaging, developmentally appropriate way.

What Is HFS Training?

HFS® is a structured, skill-based program designed to strengthen cognitive and self-regulation abilities that children need in everyday life.


✅ Not therapy or delivered by licensed therapists

✅ A training program informed by developmental psychology, auditory processing research, and motor learning

✅ Designed to complement, not replace, clinical or therapeutic services


Bone Conduction Music Listening


One of HFS®’s signature features is bone conduction music listening. Unlike standard headphones, bone conduction sends sound vibrations through the bones of the skull directly to the inner ear.

Benefits include:

  • Comfortable, clear auditory input for children with sensory sensitivities

  • Supports auditory processing by targeting specific pathways

  • Offers predictable, controlled sound stimulation in a child-friendly format

While this approach includes music-based listening, it is not clinical music therapy. Instead, it applies auditory training principles known to help strengthen attention and processing.


Emphasis on Movement

HFS® also embraces the power of movement for brain development:


  • Gross motor activities to support coordination and balance

  • Rhythm-based exercises that reinforce timing and sequencing

  • Integrated tasks that connect movement with attention and self-regulation

This reflects research on embodied learning, where the body and brain develop together through movement.


Play-Based Format

Both music therapy and HFS® share a play-first philosophy:


  • HFS® sessions are designed to be fun and interactive, not rote drills.

  • Play increases motivation and supports skill generalization.

  • Children practice important skills in a natural, low-pressure environment.


Customized Training Plans

Where HFS® is unique is its customized approach:


  • Tracks a child’s performance in real time

  • Adjusts difficulty and focus to maintain optimal challenge

  • Personalizes the experience to match each child’s unique needs

Learn more about these features at HFS Cognitive Training.


Clarifying the Difference

It’s crucial to be clear:


✅ HFS® is not therapy.

✅ It is not delivered by licensed therapists or healthcare providers.

✅ It does not diagnose or treat medical conditions.


Instead, it is a structured skill-building program inspired by evidence-based strategies—including sound, rhythm, movement, and adaptive planning—that support brain development and learning.


Conclusion

Music therapy is a respected, research-backed clinical intervention that helps children with ADHD and ASD improve communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and self-regulation. Delivered by licensed professionals, it turns music into a powerful, evidence-based tool for developmental growth.


HFS® Cognitive Training, while not therapy, adopts many of the same science-informed principles that make music therapy effective. By combining bone conduction music listening, movement-based activities, play-based learning, and AI-personalized plans, HFS® creates a unique training program that helps children strengthen the skills they need to thrive.


For families seeking to support their child’s development:


  • Music therapy provides clinical, therapist-guided care tailored to therapeutic goals.

  • HFS® offers structured, adaptive training inspired by sound, rhythm, movement, and play.


Together, they reflect a shared understanding: engaging the brain through music, rhythm, movement, and play is among the most effective ways to help children learn, grow, and shine.


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