This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Information and documents regarding decision to reduce funding for Music Therapy'.






DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
DOCUMENT 1
 
Evidence Summary: Art 
and music therapy 

Version: 

Date: 
26 November 2024 
Author: 
Evidence and Practice Leadership Branch 
Division: 
Policy, Evidence and Practice Leadership Division 
The contents of this document are OFFICIAL. 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
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Executive summary 
This document summarises the current evidence on art and music therapy for people 
with disabilities. Evidence was generated through a rapid review focused on 
functional capacity outcomes (e.g. language and communication, personal care, 
mobility and movement, interpersonal interactions, functioning, and community 
living) following art and music therapy delivered by a therapist (i.e. allied health 
professional).  
This rapid review was undertaken to inform practice considerations and guidance 
related to the implementation of the S10 transitional rule, Schedule 1, and may be 
used as evidence by the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee to assist with making 
recommendations made about art and music therapy. 
This rapid review shows that there is some evidence which supports the use of art 
and music therapy for certain disability groups (e.g. art therapy for children with 
autism, music therapy for people with multiple sclerosis and people who have had a 
stroke). Overall, the identified evidence was not conclusive in supporting art and 
music therapy as evidence-based, therapeutic supports for all disability groups. 
Considering the low risk of art and music therapy to participants and the Scheme, 
the evidence generated through this rapid review is likely sufficient to understand the 
state of evidence and meet current needs. Any decision regarding the need for 
further evidence needs to consider the relative priority of art and music therapy 
against other supports. 
Evidence for art therapy  
Art therapy includes the therapeutic use of art materials. The available evidence for 
art therapy showed: 
  Some evidence for the benefit of art therapy for children with autism across a 
range of outcomes (mobility and movement, interpersonal interactions, and 
other outcomes such as hyperactivity and inattention).  
  Limited but positive indications for the benefit of art therapy across some 
outcomes for adults with learning disabilities (on interpersonal interactions 
and psychosocial functioning outcomes), children with cerebral palsy (on 
language and communication outcomes), people with PTSD (on psychosocial 
functioning outcomes), and people with anxiety and depression (on 
psychosocial functioning outcomes).  
  Limited evidence which indicated mixed and unclear benefit for people with 
eating disorders and people with non-psychotic mental disorders.  
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  Limited evidence which indicated that art therapy may not provide any benefit 
for children with learning disabilities and people with schizophrenia.  
Evidence for music therapy 
Music therapy is a form of therapy that uses music within a therapeutic relationship 
between a client and trained professional. The available evidence for music therapy 
showed:  
  Some evidence for the benefit of music therapy for people with multiple 
sclerosis and people who have had a stroke on mobility and movement 
outcomes. 
  Limited but positive indications for the benefit of music therapy for people 
living with Parkinson’s disease (on communication, mobility and movement 
and psychosocial functioning outcomes), and people with depression and 
anxiety (on interpersonal interactions and psychosocial functioning 
outcomes). 
  Limited evidence which indicated mixed and unclear benefits for people with 
autism, people with schizophrenia, people with PTSD, children with epilepsy, 
and children with an intellectual disability and auditory processing disorder. 
 
 
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Introduction 
This document summarises the current evidence on art and music therapy for people 
with disabilities on functional capacity outcomes, based on a NDIA rapid review 
process. The evidence from this rapid review may inform practice considerations and 
guidance in the short term related to the implementation of S10 transitional rule, 
Schedule 1. 
Schedule 1 of The National Disability Insurance Scheme (Getting the NDIS Back on 
Track No. 1) (NDIS Supports) Transitional Rules 2024, as well as the participant-
facing translation document (“Supports that are NDIS supports”) lists therapeutic 
supports as NDIS supports. In both the legislation and the participant-facing 
translation, therapeutic supports are defined as: 
  Supports that provide evidence-based therapy to help participants improve or 
maintain their functional capacity in areas such as language and 
communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal 
interactions, functioning (including psychosocial functioning) and community 
living. 
Art and music are not specifically listed in the Section 10 NDIS Supports lists. 
However, we know that people enjoy art and music as part of community activities. 
Often, these activities don’t need to be provided by a therapist. However, adding the 
word “therapy” suggests that these activities provide therapeutic benefits and should 
be delivered by a qualified health professional. This is in line with NDIS Pricing 
Arrangements, which state that therapy supports must be provided by a therapist or 
a supervised therapy assistant. 
Evidence is needed to determine whether art and music therapy meet the legislative 
criteria for therapeutic supports. The Evidence and Practice Leadership Branch was 
asked to undertake a rapid review of the evidence to inform guidance. A rapid review 
can provide decision makers with insights into the state of evidence and whether 
there is an indication or not that these therapies may be beneficial.  
Definitions of art therapy and music therapy 
Art therapy is a form of therapy that includes the therapeutic use of art materials. It 
uses the art-making process as its primary mode of communication and can 
therefore be particularly helpful to people who find it hard to express their thoughts 
and feelings verbally. Art therapy can sometimes be regarded as a three-way 
process between the client, the therapist and the image or artefact. Art therapy may 
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include an individual or combination of modalities, including painting, drawing, 
sculpting and modeling clay.  
Music therapy is a form of therapy that uses music within a therapeutic relationship 
between a client and qualified therapist to address physical, emotional, cognitive, 
and social needs. Music therapy may involve a variety of different activities, including 
music improvisation, music listening, song writing, music performance, learning 
through music, and others.  
Review questions 
This rapid review aimed to answer the following questions: 
1.  What is the state of evidence for the impact of art therapy on functional 
capacity outcomes for people with disabilities? 
2.  What is the state of evidence for the impact of music therapy on functional 
capacity outcomes for people with disabilities? 
Method 
We applied our responsive rapid review methodology to answer the review questions 
and provide the Agency with an overview of the state of evidence taking into 
consideration the immediate need for evidence. This may inform practice 
considerations and guidance in the short term related to the implementation of S10 
transitional rule, Schedule 1. 
Inclusion criteria for studies 
We included systematic reviews or primary studies (in cases where we were unable 
to locate systematic reviews) which met the following criteria: 
  The population was people with disabilities. Any disability group relevant to 
the NDIS was eligible.  
  Investigated art therapy and/or music therapy (not dance therapy) which met 
the following criteria: 
o  Delivered by a therapist 
o  Art or music were the focus of the intervention, not a component of a 
larger intervention 
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o  Goal was to achieve a functional outcome (e.g. language and 
communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal 
interactions, functioning, and community living) 
Search strategy 
To identify relevant studies, we used a range of methods: 
1.  Key words and subject headings were searched through a research database 
(PubMed). This included the subject headings, “Art Therapy” and “Music 
Therapy” in combination with the subject heading for systematic reviews. It 
also included targeted searches for primary research in different disability 
groups, with key words and subject headings for disability searched.  
2.  We searched for the term "Disability” in the archives of the International 
Journal of Art Therapy (the official journal of the British Association of Art 
Therapists)  
3.  We also undertook a snowballing method which involves checking identified 
studies for other relevant studies. 
Searches were limited to the last 10 years.  
Evidence for art therapy 
A range of systematic reviews and primary studies reporting evidence for art therapy 
were identified. The overall quality of the evidence was variable and was not formally 
assessed. Studies included people with autism, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, 
PTSD, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and non-psychotic 
mental disorders. Table 1 includes a summary of the available evidence for art 
therapy by disability group and functional capacity outcomes (grouped into areas 
described in the legislation). No studies reported personal care or community living 
outcomes. 
Overall, there is mixed and limited evidence for art therapy for people with 
disabilities. Therefore, there is not enough evidence to indicate a benefit for art 
therapy across all disability groups.  
It is also important to note that art therapy approaches within included studies varied 
across several factors, including: 
  Modality (e.g. painting, sculpting, molding clay, or a combination of modalities) 
  Length (duration and intensity of intervention) 
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  Group or individual delivery 
  Setting, including country (each country has their own understanding of art 
that is relevant to their local context) 
The potential impact of these factors on outcomes was unable to be investigated due 
to limited evidence and time constraints. 
Reasonable evidence for benefit 
For some disability groups, there is reasonable evidence for the benefit of art therapy 
on functional outcomes.  
 For 
children with autism, benefits of art therapy have been demonstrated 
across a range of outcomes (mobility and movement, interpersonal 
interactions, and other outcomes such as hyperactivity and inattention). There 
are also some indications of benefit for language and communication.  
Limited evidence with some positive indications 
For some disability groups, there was very limited evidence for the impact of art 
therapy on functional outcomes, but the available evidence provided some initial 
positive indications. 
 For 
adults with learning disabilities, a small pilot study showed some 
benefit to social anxiety, wellbeing, quality of life and resilience. Evidence for 
other functional capacity outcomes were not reported. This is a positive 
indication, but more evidence is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of 
art therapy for this group.  
 For 
children with cerebral palsy, one study showed improvement in 
language and communication outcomes. Evidence for other functional 
outcomes were not reported. This is a positive indication, but more evidence 
is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of art therapy for this group. 
 For 
people 
with 
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there was some 
evidence for benefit above a control group on positive non-PTSD-specific 
outcomes (e.g. quality of life), but inconclusive evidence for other outcomes 
(e.g. depression and intrusions). Evidence for other functional capacity 
outcomes were not reported. More evidence is needed to demonstrate the 
effectiveness of art therapy for this group. 
 For 
people 
with 
anxiety and depression, there was some evidence for the 
benefit of art therapy above a control group on general functioning and 
wellbeing, and mental health outcomes. Evidence for other functional capacity 
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outcomes were not reported. More evidence is needed to demonstrate the 
effectiveness of art therapy for this group. 
Limited and mixed evidence 
For some disability groups, there was limited and mixed evidence for the impact of 
art therapy on functional outcomes. 
 For 
people 
with 
eating disorders, there was evidence for benefit on some 
psychopathological and emotional outcomes, but no difference in others. 
Evidence for other functional capacity outcomes were not reported. More 
evidence is needed to determine the effectiveness of art therapy for this 
group. 
 For 
people 
with 
non-psychotic mental disorders, there was evidence for 
some mental health outcomes, but not all. One study also showed no 
difference between art therapy and a control group. Evidence for other 
functional capacity outcomes were not reported. More evidence is needed to 
determine the effectiveness of art therapy for this group. 
Limited evidence indicating no added benefit 
For some disability groups, there was limited evidence, but some indication that art 
therapy may not provide added benefit for functional outcomes.  
 For 
children with learning disabilities, no difference in interpersonal 
interactions and other outcomes (self-concept, coherence) were seen 
compared to a control group. However, there was very limited information 
available. No studies reported language and communication, mobility and 
movement, or functioning outcomes. This means we do not have information 
on the impact of art therapy on these outcomes.  
 For 
people 
with 
schizophrenia, little or no benefit of art therapy compared to 
standard care was demonstrated for interpersonal interactions, mental health, 
and global functioning. There were mixed results for negative symptoms, with 
one study reporting a significant reduction and one reporting no benefit above 
standard care. There was limited evidence, with only a few primary studies 
investigating the impact on schizophrenia.  
No available evidence 
In other disability groups, we were unable to identify any evidence to understand 
how art therapy impacts functional capacity. This includes all disability groups not 
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already mentioned. This means there might be benefits or they may not be, but we 
do not have any evidence to understand this.  
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Evidence for music therapy 
Systematic reviews and primary studies reporting evidence for music therapy were 
identified. The overall quality of the evidence was variable and was not formally 
assessed. Studies included people with neurodevelopmental disorders (autism 
spectrum disorder and intellectual disability), neurological disabilities (Parkinson’s 
disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke), neurodevelopmental disease (cerebral palsy) 
and mental health (PTSD, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression). Table 2 includes 
a summary of the available evidence for music therapy by disability group and 
functional capacity outcomes (grouped into areas described in the legislation). No 
studies reported personal care or community living outcomes. 
There is mixed and limited evidence for music therapy for people with disabilities. 
The evidence for music and art therapy differs by disability group. Therefore, it is 
important to look at the evidence for each disability group individually.   
It is also important to note that music therapy approaches within included studies 
varied across several factors, including: 
  Modality (e.g. educational music therapy, improvisational music therapy, 
family-centered music therapy, rhythmic auditory stimulation, music-based 
movement therapy, listening to music, playing an instrument, singing, writing 
songs, music imagery, Chinese ‘5-elements music’ therapy, Orff therapy, etc.) 
  Intensity (length, frequency and duration of the intervention) 
  Group or individual delivery 
  Setting, including country  
The potential impact of these factors on outcomes was unable to be investigated due 
to limited evidence and time constraints. 
Reasonable evidence for benefit 
For some disability groups, there is reasonable evidence for the benefit of music 
therapy on functional outcomes. 
 For 
people 
with 
multiple sclerosis (MS) there is evidence from several 
studies that music therapy may be a safe and effective complementary 
approach for rehabilitation of MS patients. Music therapy can improve some 
aspects of gait and walking, fatigue level, fatigability, coordination, dexterity, 
balance, walking endurance, lower extremity functional strength, emotional 
status and pain. There is some evidence that music therapy may improve 
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depression, self-acceptance and quality of life in people living with MS. The 
evidence for cognitive improvement, mental fatigability and memory is 
unclear. 
  For people who have had a stroke there is evidence that music therapy may 
assist in rehabilitation. There is evidence for improvements in physical status 
(upper-limb activity, various aspects of walking - such as stride length, gait 
velocity and balance), cognition (paying attention, communication), and mood 
in people who have had a stroke. There is evidence for the beneficial effects 
of rhythmic auditory cueing on walking velocity, cadence and stride length. 
Receptive music therapy may assist mood and some aspects of cognitive 
function (i.e. verbal memory, focused attention). There is some evidence 
‘Five-Element music’ therapy may have moderate benefit in language 
rehabilitation for people with post-stroke aphasia (such as improvements in 
functional communication, repetition and naming, but not comprehension). 
Limited evidence with some positive indications 
For some disability groups, there was very limited evidence for the impact of music 
therapy on functional outcomes, but the available evidence provided some initial 
positive indications. 
 For 
people 
with 
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) there is some limited evidence 
that rhythmic auditory stimulation may significantly improve gait speed and 
stride length. However, the quality of evidence was low, and the number of 
studies and participants was small. There is some evidence that music-based 
movement therapy may improve motor function, balance, freezing of gait, 
walking speed and mental health, but not gait cadence, stride length, or 
quality of life in people with PD. There is some evidence that singing may 
have a beneficial effect on speech in people with PD. 
 For 
people 
with 
depression and/or anxiety there is some evidence that 
music therapy in addition to usual treatment may improve depressive 
symptoms when compared with usual treatment alone. There is evidence that 
music therapy in adults, adolescents and children with depression improved 
symptoms of depression and improved functioning compared with usual 
treatment alone. Music therapy also decreased anxiety symptoms and 
cognitive ability, although showed no improvement in quality of life.  
 
 
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Limited and mixed evidence 
For some disability groups, there was limited and mixed evidence for the impact of 
music therapy on functional outcomes. 
 For 
children and adolescents with autism it is uncertain whether music 
therapy has any benefit. Music therapy has been attributed to likely or 
probable improvements across a range of autism outcomes (including global 
improvement, symptom severity, quality of life, speech production, social 
engagement, joint attention and social functioning). There is conflicting 
evidence for verbal and non-verbal communication and no evidence for social 
interaction. No reduction in a measure of autism symptom severity was 
observed in children from short-term (6 months) exposure to improvisational 
music therapy. Mothers with children on the autism spectrum who were 
followed up four years after completing a 16-week home-based family-centred 
music therapy program reported long-term program benefits leading to 
improved social relationships in the family and quality of life. For 
(predominantly younger) adults with autism without intellectual impairment, 
music therapy may have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. 
 For 
people 
with 
schizophrenia there is moderate to low quality evidence for 
the short- to long-term effects of music therapy on global mental state 
(including general and negative symptoms), general and social functioning, 
and quality of life. Positive results may be mediated by the intensity 
(frequency) of the intervention. There are mixed results for cognitive 
functioning and inconclusive data on behavioural outcomes.   
 For 
people 
with 
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) there is low certainty 
of the evidence for music therapy in reducing moderate to severe PTSD and 
depressive symptoms.  
 For 
children with epilepsy there is inconclusive evidence to determine the 
effectiveness of listening to Mozart’s music (the ‘Mozart effect’) to reduce 
seizures in children (and EEG abnormalities associated with increased 
seizure risk) either as an adjunct to medical management or in children with 
epilepsy refractory to medications. 
 For 
children with intellectual disability and auditory processing disorder
Orff music therapy (a developmental approach to music therapy) was found to 
significantly improve auditory processing skills.  
No available evidence 
In other disability groups, we were unable to identify any evidence to understand 
how music therapy impacts functional capacity. This includes all disability groups not 
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mentioned. This means there might be benefits or they may not be, but we do not 
have any evidence to understand this. 
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Summary 
We applied a rapid review process to investigate the impact of art and music therapy 
delivered by an allied health professional on functional outcomes for people with 
disabilities. There is evidence for the benefit of art and music therapy for some 
disability groups. However, there is not enough evidence to indicate whether there is 
a benefit across all disability groups. Additionally, for some disability groups, there is 
evidence which indicates no added benefit of art and music therapy above a control 
group.  
The available evidence for art therapy showed: 
  Some evidence for the benefit of art therapy for children with autism.  
  Limited evidence but positive indications for the benefit of art therapy across 
some outcomes for adults with learning disabilities, children with cerebral 
palsy, people with PTSD, and people with anxiety and depression.  
  Limited evidence with mixed indications for the benefit of art therapy for 
people with eating disorders and people with non-psychotic mental disorders.  
  Limited evidence with some indication that art therapy may not provide added 
benefit for children with learning disabilities and people with schizophrenia.  
The available evidence for music therapy showed: 
  Some evidence for the benefit of music therapy for people with multiple 
sclerosis and people who have had a stroke. 
  Limited evidence but positive indications for the benefit of music therapy 
across some outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s disease, and people 
with depression and/or anxiety. 
  Limited evidence with mixed indications for the benefit of music therapy for 
people with autism, people with schizophrenia, people with PTSD, children 
with epilepsy, and children with an intellectual disability and auditory 
processing disorder. 
It is likely that the evidence generated through this rapid review meets the level of 
evidence required for art and music therapy as low risk and relatively low value 
supports. A more rigorous and time-intensive review may be excessive considering 
these factors and may reach the same conclusions as this rapid review. As such, this 
rapid review could be used as evidence tabled at the NDIS Evidence Advisory 
Committee to assist with making recommendations made about art and music 
therapy. 
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Any need for further evidence would need to be determined with an assessment of 
the relative priority and opportunity cost of investigating art and music therapy in the 
short term compared to other higher risk therapies and high-cost assistive 
technology. If a need for further evidence is identified, a systematic review could be 
undertaken. A standard systematic review can take 4-8 months.  
Limitations  
Research spanning the broad range of disability groups relevant to the NDIS was 
greatly limited, with studies only available for certain disability groups. Some studies 
may have been missed, considering limited timeframes, or more primary research 
may be needed to fill these evidence gaps. Where studies on relevant populations 
were identified, the breadth of functional capacity outcomes relevant to the NDIS 
were also rarely measured. While functional outcomes were not often measured, it is 
important to note the link between improved mental health and wellbeing and 
increased functional capacity, especially for people with psychosocial disability. 
It is also important to note that while rapid reviews are useful when evidence is 
needed quickly, a rapid review cannot:   
 Definitively 
answer 
questions 
of efficacy or effectiveness  
  Identify all the literature associated with a review question   
  Include all the relevant studies or all the information contained in the studies    
  Appraise the quality of the studies.   
This means that a rapid review cannot assess how reliable the evidence is, and how 
confident we can be in any observed effects. A rapid review can only show some of 
the evidence that is available, and what that evidence says in broad terms. This 
method is useful when evidence is needed quickly to inform interim guidance, in 
cases where the risk to the participant and the Scheme is likely to be low.   
However, it is important to note that this type of research is not robust enough to be 
considered adequate for high level decision-making, and in cases where supports 
have a high associated cost or a risk of harm to participants. In these instances, a 
more robust approach to evidence is needed. This could look like a systematic 
review.   
 
 
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References 
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16. Ma, Y. M., M. D. Yuan and B. L. Zhong (2024). "Efficacy and acceptability of 
music therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and 
meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." Eur J Psychotraumatol 15(1): 
2342739. 
17. Maddox, G. A., G. E. Bodner, M. W. Christian and P. Williamson (2024). "On 
the Effectiveness of Visual Arts Therapy for Traumatic Experiences: A 
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Clin Psychol Psychother 31(4): 
e3041. 
18. Moumdjian, L., T. Sarkamo, C. Leone, M. Leman and P. Feys (2017). 
"Effectiveness of music-based interventions on motricity or cognitive 
functioning in neurological populations: a systematic review." Eur J Phys 
Rehabil Med 53(3): 466-482. 
19. Newland, P. and B. A. Bettencourt (2020). "Effectiveness of mindfulness-
based art therapy for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue: A 
systematic review and meta-analysis." Complement Ther Clin Pract 41
101246. 
20. Pedra Cruz Bettin, B., L. Urquiza Nogueira, P. A. Bertasso de Araujo and L. 
C. Antunes (2024). "Visual art- and music-based interventions as adjuvants in 
the treatment of eating disorders: a systematic review and a theoretical 
model." Arts Health 16(2): 167-188. 
21. Regev, D. and L. Cohen-Yatziv (2018). "Effectiveness of Art Therapy With 
Adult Clients in 2018-What Progress Has Been Made?" Front Psychol 9
1531. 
22. Senkal, O. and Z. Muhtar (2021). "Role of orff music therapy in improving 
auditory processing skills in children with intellectual disability." Nigerian 
journal of clinical practice 24(7): 1005-1014. 
23. Uttley, L., M. Stevenson, A. Scope, A. Rawdin and A. Sutton (2015). "The 
clinical and cost effectiveness of group art therapy for people with non-
psychotic mental health disorders: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness 
analysis." BMC Psychiatry 15: 151. 
24. Vogel, S. W., K. L. Mullins and S. Kumar (2024). "Art therapy for children and 
adolescents with autism: a systematic review." International Journal of Art 
Therapy: 1-10. 
25. Wang, M., J. Wu and H. Yan (2023). "Effect of music therapy on older adults 
with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Complement Ther 
Clin Pract 53: 101809. 
26. Weitlauf, A. S., N. Sathe, M. L. McPheeters and Z. E. Warren (2017). 
"Interventions Targeting Sensory Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A 
Systematic Review." Pediatrics 139(6): 1. 
27. Yang, Y., Y. Y. Fang, J. Gao and G. L. Geng (2019). "Effects of Five-Element 
Music on Language Recovery in Patients with Poststroke Aphasia: A 
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." J Altern Complement Med 25(10): 
993-1004. 
ndis.gov.au 
November 2024 | Art and music therapy 
30 
 
30
OFFICIAL 

DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
OFFICIAL 
 
28. Zhang, S., D. Liu, D. Ye, H. Li and F. Chen (2017). "Can music-based 
movement therapy improve motor dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's 
disease? Systematic review and meta-analysis." Neurol Sci 38(9): 1629-1636. 
29. Zhang, Y., J. Cai, Y. Zhang, T. Ren, M. Zhao and Q. Zhao (2016). 
"Improvement in Stroke-induced Motor Dysfunction by Music-supported 
Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." Sci Rep 6: 38521. 
30. Zhou, Z., R. Zhou, W. Wei, R. Luan and K. Li (2021). "Effects of music-based 
movement therapy on motor function, balance, gait, mental health, and quality 
of life for patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-
analysis." Clin Rehabil 35(7): 937-951. 
 
ndis.gov.au 
November 2024 | Art and music therapy 
31 
 
31
OFFICIAL 


DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
DOCUMENT 2
NDIS Independent 
Review of Pricing of 
Art and Music Therapy 
Terms of Reference 
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DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
1.  Purpose 
1.1  The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is appointing an 
independent expert to: 
•  review the NDIA pricing of music and art therapy compared with other 
allied health therapies; and 
•  review the NDIA’s ‘review of evidence’, which found that there is limited 
evidence about the effectiveness of art and music therapy as evidence-
based, therapeutic supports for most people with disability.  
2.  Background 
2.1  The NDIA Pricing Arrangement and Price Limits (PAPL) sets out price limits 
for NDIS supports. Providers that deliver services to Agency managed and 
plan managed participants must adhere to these price limits. Prices are 
reviewed annually through the Annual Price Review (APR) process. The 
prices for therapy services are at Attachment A.  
2.2  The 2024-25 price limits for music and art therapy are $193.99 per hour. The 
2024-25 price limit for Participation in Community, Social and Civic Activities 
is $67.56 per hour. The price limits for therapy services have not changed 
since 1 July 2019, except for psychology being indexed at 4% over 2024-25. 
2.3  On 3 October 2024, legislative changes to the NDIS Act came into effect. 
These changes included lists of what is a NDIS funded support and what is 
not (section 10). The ’Supports that are NDIS supports’ list outlines 
therapeutic supports are supports that provide evidence-based therapy to 
help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity in areas such 
as language and communication, personal care, mobility and movement, 
interpersonal interactions, functioning (including psychosocial functioning) and 
community living. This includes an assessment by health professionals for 
support planning and review as required. 
2.4  The Agency has an obligation under the NDIS Act to ensure support wil  be 
effective and beneficial for a participant and is current good practice. This 
requires the Agency to consider the available evidence of the effectiveness of 
the support. For evidence-based therapy to be funded through the Scheme, 
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DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
there needs to be evidence that the therapy helps participants improve or 
maintain their functional capacity in areas such as language and 
communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal 
interactions, functioning, and community living. 
2.5  The Government is establishing an Expert Advisory Committee to make 
determinations regarding evidence-based supports that are appropriate NDIS 
supports. The Committee wil  commence operations by July 2025. The NDIA 
is required to review and apply evidence in accordance with the legislation, 
and to update guidance to delegates accordingly, ahead of the 
commencement of operations of the Committee. 
2.6  The NDIA undertook a review of available evidence, which showed there is 
insufficient evidence to conclude that art and music therapy are effective to 
maintain or improve functional capacity for most people with disability. Arising 
from this review of evidence, the NDIA considers the pricing arrangements 
should be revised to reflect the evidence. Proposed revisions are that: 
2.6.1  Art and music programs can stil  be funded under Participation in 
Community, Social and Civic Activities which has a price limit of $67.56 
per hour. 
2.7  The current price limit of $193.99 per hour should only be used if either: 
•  Art or music therapy was a stated support in a participant’s plan, where 
there is an evidence base of effectiveness for the specific needs and 
circumstances of a participant; or 
•  Art or music therapeutic support is provided in a group setting with a 
minimum of four participants (in which case the price charged to each 
participant would be $193.99 divided by the number of participants).  
2.8  The NDIA recognises that there have been concerns raised by Music and Art 
Therapists and their representative organisations about this policy. 
2.9  Therefore, ahead of the commencement of the operation of the Expert 
Advisory Committee, the NDIA is appointing an independent expert to review 
the proposed NDIA pricing of art and music therapy and the evidence review 
undertaken by the NDIA. 
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DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
3.  Scope  
3.1  The Independent Review wil  report on: 
3.1.1  The pricing arrangements for music and art therapy. This wil  be 
informed by pricing benchmarking analysis for art and music therapy 
and benchmarking with other allied health therapy professions and 
qualifications. The NDIA wil  make available the data that it uses to set 
prices in therapy. 
3.1.2  The NDIA review of the evidence base supporting the effectiveness of 
music and art therapy for most participants and provide advice about 
the consistent application of this evidence to requirements under the 
Act. The Independent Review should also provide relevant 
stakeholders with an opportunity to make submissions and contribute 
relevant evidence.  
4.  Reporting 
4.1  It is expected that the Independent Review wil  provide expert opinion to the 
CEO of the NDIA. 
4.2  The CEO wil  ensure the Board and Minister are briefed on the Independent 
Review. 
4.3  The advice should take the form of a written report.   
4.4  It is recommended that the Independent Review deliver its findings by no later 
than 14 March 2025.   
5.  Roles and responsibilities 
5.1  The Independent Review’s role and responsibility is to:   
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DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
5.1.1  Provide expert opinion to the CEO on whether the music and art 
therapy wil  be, or is likely to be, effective and beneficial for 
participants, having regard to current good practice. 
5.1.2  Consider the NDIA review of music and art therapy.   
5.1.3  Consult with stakeholders to ensure that the views of people with 
disability are reflected in the recommendations and that all available 
evidence is considered.   
5.1.4  Meet at least once every 3 weeks with a senior representative of the 
NDIA to discuss the progress of the Review.   
5.1.5  Report findings and recommendations to the CEO, with the CEO to 
ensure that the Minister and the NDIA Board are briefed with the 
Independent Review.   
5.1.6  Provide expert advice on the pricing approach for music and art 
therapy. 
6.  Membership  
6.1  The Review wil  be conducted by an expert who brings deep knowledge and 
experience in allied health, pricing, markets, disability sector and public value 
for money. 
6.2  The appointment is for a fixed term of up to 3 months. 
 
 
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DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
National Disability Insurance Agency 
ndis.gov.au 
Telephone 1800 800 110 
Webchat ndis.gov.au 
Follow us on our social channels 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn 
For people who need help with English 
TIS: 131 450 
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing 
TTY: 1800 555 677 
Voice relay: 1800 555 727 
National Relay Service: relayservice.gov.au 
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DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
DOCUMENT 3
Documents referenced in evidence summary – FOI 24.25-0854 
Aalbers, S., L. Fusar-Poli, R. E. Freeman, M. Spreen, J. C. Ket, A. C. Vink, A. Maratos, M. 
Crawford, X. J. Chen and C. Gold (2017). "Music therapy for depression." Cochrane 
Database Syst Rev 11(11): Cd004517.  
Barnish, J., R. A. Atkinson, S. M. Barran and M. S. Barnish (2016). "Potential Benefit of 
Singing for People with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review." J Parkinsons Dis 6(3): 
473-484.
Barnish, M. S. and S. M. Barran (2020). "A systematic review of active group-based dance, 
singing, music therapy and theatrical interventions for quality of life, functional 
communication, speech, motor function and cognitive status in people with Parkinson's 
disease." BMC Neurol 20(1): 371.  
Barnish, M. S. and R. V. Nelson-Horne (2023). "Group-based active artistic interventions for 
adults with primary anxiety and depression: a systematic review." BMJ Open 13(6): 
e069310.  
Belski, N., Z. Abdul-Rahman, E. Youn, V. Balasundaram and D. Diep (2022). "Review: The 
effectiveness of musical therapy in improving depression and anxiety symptoms among 
children and adolescents - a systematic review." Child Adolesc Ment Health 27(4): 369-377.  
Brackney, D. E. and J. L. Brooks (2018). "Complementary and Alternative Medicine: The 
Mozart Effect on Childhood Epilepsy—A Systematic Review." The Journal of school nursing 
34(1): 28-37.  
Cohen-Yatziv, L. and D. Regev (2019). "The effectiveness and contribution of art therapy 
work with children in 2018 -what progress has been made so far? A systematic review." 
International Journal of Art Therapy 24(3): 100-112.  
Crawford, M. J. and S. Patterson (2007). "Arts therapies for people with schizophrenia: an 
emerging evidence base."  10: 69-70.  
Geretsegger, M., L. Fusar-Poli, C. Elefant, K. A. Mössler, G. Vitale and C. Gold (2022). 
"Music therapy for autistic people." Cochrane Database Syst Rev 5(5): Cd004381.  
Geretsegger, M., K. A. Mössler, Ł. Bieleninik, X. J. Chen, T. O. Heldal and C. Gold (2017). 
"Music therapy for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like disorders." Cochrane 
Database Syst Rev 5(5): Cd004025.  
Kong, L., X. Zhang, L. Meng, H. Xue, W. Zhou, X. Meng, Q. Zhang and J. Shen (2023). 
"Effects of music therapy intervention on gait disorders in persons with multiple sclerosis: A 
systematic review of clinical trials." Mult Scler Relat Disord 73: 104629.  
Lee, H. and B. Ko (2023). "Effects of Music-Based Interventions on Motor and Non-Motor 
Symptoms in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." 
Int J Environ Res Public Health 20(2).  
Lopes, J. and Keppers, II (2021). "Music-based therapy in rehabilitation of people with 
multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of clinical trials." Arq Neuropsiquiatr 79(6): 527-535.  
Lorenc, T., M. Rodgers, D. Marshall, H. Melton, R. Rees, K. Wright and A. Sowden (2018). 
"Support for adults with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual impairment: Systematic 
review." Autism 22(6): 654-668.  
39

DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
Lutgens, D., G. Gariepy and A. Malla (2017). "Psychological and psychosocial interventions 
for negative symptoms in psychosis: systematic review and meta-analysis." Br J Psychiatry 
210(5): 324-332.  
Ma, Y. M., M. D. Yuan and B. L. Zhong (2024). "Efficacy and acceptability of music therapy 
for post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized 
controlled trials." Eur J Psychotraumatol 15(1): 2342739.  
Maddox, G. A., G. E. Bodner, M. W. Christian and P. Williamson (2024). "On the 
Effectiveness of Visual Arts Therapy for Traumatic Experiences: A Systematic Review and 
Meta-Analysis." Clin Psychol Psychother 31(4): e3041.  
Moumdjian, L., T. Sarkamo, C. Leone, M. Leman and P. Feys (2017). "Effectiveness of 
music-based interventions on motricity or cognitive functioning in neurological populations: a 
systematic review." Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 53(3): 466-482.  
Newland, P. and B. A. Bettencourt (2020). "Effectiveness of mindfulness-based art therapy 
for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis." 
Complement Ther Clin Pract 41: 101246.  
Pedra Cruz Bettin, B., L. Urquiza Nogueira, P. A. Bertasso de Araujo and L. C. Antunes 
(2024). "Visual art- and music-based interventions as adjuvants in the treatment of eating 
disorders: a systematic review and a theoretical model." Arts Health 16(2): 167-188.  
Regev, D. and L. Cohen-Yatziv (2018). "Effectiveness of Art Therapy With Adult Clients in 
2018-What Progress Has Been Made?" Front Psychol 9: 1531.  
Senkal, O. and Z. Muhtar (2021). "Role of orff music therapy in improving auditory 
processing skills in children with intellectual disability." Nigerian journal of clinical practice 
24(7): 1005-1014.  
Uttley, L., M. Stevenson, A. Scope, A. Rawdin and A. Sutton (2015). "The clinical and cost 
effectiveness of group art therapy for people with non-psychotic mental health disorders: a 
systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis." BMC Psychiatry 15: 151.  
Vogel, S. W., K. L. Mullins and S. Kumar (2024). "Art therapy for children and adolescents 
with autism: a systematic review." International Journal of Art Therapy: 1-10.  
Wang, M., J. Wu and H. Yan (2023). "Effect of music therapy on older adults with 
depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Complement Ther Clin Pract 53
101809.  
Weitlauf, A. S., N. Sathe, M. L. McPheeters and Z. E. Warren (2017). "Interventions 
Targeting Sensory Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review." 
Pediatrics 139(6): 1.  
Yang, Y., Y. Y. Fang, J. Gao and G. L. Geng (2019). "Effects of Five-Element Music on 
Language Recovery in Patients with Poststroke Aphasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-
Analysis." J Altern Complement Med 25(10): 993-1004.  
Zhang, S., D. Liu, D. Ye, H. Li and F. Chen (2017). "Can music-based movement therapy 
improve motor dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease? Systematic review and 
meta-analysis." Neurol Sci 38(9): 1629-1636.  
40

DISCLOSURE LOG - FOI 23/24-0860 - DOCUMENTS
Zhang, Y., J. Cai, Y. Zhang, T. Ren, M. Zhao and Q. Zhao (2016). "Improvement in Stroke-
induced Motor Dysfunction by Music-supported Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-
analysis." Sci Rep 6: 38521.  
Zhou, Z., R. Zhou, W. Wei, R. Luan and K. Li (2021). "Effects of music-based movement 
therapy on motor function, balance, gait, mental health, and quality of life for patients with 
Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Clin Rehabil 35(7): 937-951.  
 
41