Abstract: Background 
Recent studies have shown that subjects with autism are able to perceive aesthetic stimuli of artistic beauty. Therefore, by making art accessible to the, potential benefits such as greater self-esteem, mental stimulation and greater social interaction may potentially ensue. 
Aim 
The aim of this pilot experience is to explore the impact on wellbeing of a special museum and performing arts experience in adolescents with autism. 
Methods 
Twelve adolescents with autism (age 10-17) took part to this study. The ASD subjects were diagnosed with autism according to the DSM V criteria, confirmed through ADOS-2 and under observation at our Institute. Their mean ADOS severity score was 7.8 (range 4-10).  
The experience consisted in a guided visit to the Teatro Alla Scala Museum by a cultural mediator with experience in the field of inclusion for people with cognitive disabilities. At the end of the visit, the guests were made to sit in the Exedra hall, which houses the famous Steinway piano that belonged to Franz Liszt. Here a team from the Conservatory "Giuseppe Verdi" in Como presented a special reduction of “The Magic Flute” by Mozart, illustrating the history and individual characters with drawings and objects such as the music box, and singing the famous arias accompanied by piano and flute along with stage movements and dances. The performance lasted about half an hour. 
The measurement of the impact of this experience on psychological well-being was done by using a special continuous chromatic analogue scale presented as a 10 cm rule. The ruler has a sliding cursor that the subject is invited to position at the level corresponding to his current perceived psychological well-being. 
Before visiting the museum, well-being measurements were taken for five consecutive days, to establish a basic level of reference by asking subjects to use the ruler to determine the level of their momentary psychological well-being at a given time of day, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. 
On the day dedicated to the theatre experience, the same type of evaluation was carried out at 11 a.m., immediately before the experience, at 12.30 p.m., immediately after the experience, and at 2.30 p.m. on return to the Institute. 
Results 
Measuring well-being immediately after the aesthetic experience highlighted a strong emotional impact with a 47% increase in the momentary psychological well-being (from 64 mm to 94 mm). 
The increase resulted similar to that obtained in a control group of twelve adolescent with other forms of neuropsychiatric disorders. 
Conclusion 
This pilot study confirms that adolescents with autism are keen to receiving enjoyment when exposed to beauty, art and music and that the measurement of their momentary well-being is feasible despite the presence of an important cognitive deficit. 

Notes:

(1) Autism Research Unit, Villa Santa Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, Italy
(2) International Council of Museums Italy, MIlano, Italy