The Effect of Music Therapy on Expressive Communication Skill in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Chwanphatz Kawinnithiporn¹, Natee Chiengchana², Ni-on Tayrattanachai³

¹chwanphatz@hotmail.com , ²chiengchana@yahoo.com
³n_tayrattanachai@hotmail.com

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of music therapy on expressive communication of a 12 year old with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This study employed A-B-A-B and qualitative single-case design. The experimental sessions consisted of baseline conditions (A) and music therapy intervention (B). Individualized Music Therapy Assessment Profile (IMTAP) and Expressive Communication Behavior Observation Form (ECBOF) were used to measure expressive communication skills. The findings were presented using visual inspection and narrative case study.

During the music therapy sessions, the participant's expressive communication behaviors increased continuously and the vocal idiosyncrasies behaviors were decreased dramatically. On the contrary, the expressive communication behaviors and vocal idiosyncrasies behaviors of the participant were not stable during baseline sessions. The results indicated that music therapy enhanced expressive communication skills and also reduced vocal idiosyncrasies behaviors of the child with ASD.

Keywords:MUSIC THERAPY, EXPRESSIVE COMMUNICATION, CHILD WITH AUTISM
   SPECTRUM DISORDER