Rhythmic entrainment

Rhythmic entrainment involves aligning one's internal rhythms with external rhythmic cues. This process can influence physiological functions like heart rate, movement patterns, and brainwave activity. In the context of autism, rhythmic entrainment typically uses structured rhythmic stimuli—like music, metronomes, or drumming—to support motor coordination, social engagement, and emotional regulation. While the use of music and rhythm in therapy has shown some benefits in terms of coordination and emotional regulation, specific evidence for autism with this kind of structured intervention is limited and inconclusive. Current research shows mixed results and lacks extensive, well-controlled studies. In cases where the fundamentals of music and rhythm interventions are used to sell interventions and products such as those promoted by the Tomatis method and the Interactive Metronome, people with autism and their families must be extremely cautious in order not to fall victim to a scam. Rhythm and music therapies should not be overpriced or promise rapid and general results, and the materials and devices needed for this type of intervention are always affordable and easy to acquire without having to be purchased from the same people or companies offering the intervention.