Effects of music, dance and drama therapies for people with an intellectual disability: A scoping review

Accessible summary There are different forms of arts therapy including music, dance and drama therapies. Music, dance and drama can help people with an intellectual disability to improve their wellbeing. To encourage the inclusion of music, dance and drama therapies in different services, it is important to look at their effects on people with an intellectual disability. Music, dance and drama help with self‐esteem, social skills, expression and management of emotions. Arts therapies could also increase social inclusion and self‐determination. Abstract Background Arts therapies take different forms, including music, dance and drama therapies. Access to meaningful activities is limited for people with an intellectual disability. Music, dance and drama therapies could be relevant strategies to improve well‐being of people with an intellectual disability. To encourage the inclusion of these modalities in services offered to this population, it is important to look at the effects of music, dance and drama therapies for people with an intellectual disability. Methods This scoping review aimed to document the effects of music, dance and drama therapies for people with an intellectual disability. Findings 72 documents were selected and analysed. Depending on the modality of art therapy, various physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual benefits were noted. Most of studies presented a limited sample size and had no group control. Conclusion The use of arts therapy modalities music, dance and drama shows promise for people with an intellectual disability. The results of this study may contribute to the development of diversified and meaningful activities.