Effect of an Indian Percussion Music Instrument on the Oral Health Status of Autistic Children

Autism is a behavioural disorder. It is characterised by social deficits and hindered sensory-motor development. Motor skills are compromised to the extent that it affects the day-to-day activities of the individual. Even grasping a toothbrush poses a difficulty for children with autism. This makes them vulnerable to various periodontal conditions. Nurturing an autistic individual's motor skills by apt interventions can improve his/her overall lifestyle. One of the many intervention techniques is music therapy, the most effective of which is self-musical instrument playing. An individual with motor skill impairment can benefit by being trained in the art of playing an Indian percussion instrument like the Tabla. This can help the autistic individual in grasping the toothbrush with more dexterity and thereby improve his/her oral health. Rhythm-mediated interventions like playing the Tabla can also boost the social skills of autistic individuals. These include co-operation, assertion, self-control, imitation, interpersonal skills, etc. This poster depicts a study that focuses on training autistic individuals between the age of 6 to 12 years in the art of playing Tabla and thereby improve their oral health status, motor skills, and social skills. An informed consent was obtained from the foundation where the autistic children belonged. The children were trained for a total of 30 clinical hours. The results showed improvement in motor skills, plaque index, social participation, and detrimental social behaviour in all five participants. Gingival index and social reciprocity showed an upswing in 4 out of 5 participants. Keywords: Autism, music therapy, oral health, social skills, motor skills, Tabla