Abstract

ABSTRACT
A Music Therapy Program Addressing Language Development with Children on the Autism Spectrum
Hiroko Matsubara
Autism Spectrum Disorder is currently recognized as a neurological disorder characterized by impairments in communication, socialization, restricted movements, and language development. The purpose of this study was to design a program that utilized song-based music therapy interventions to address language development as part of a collaboration with a speech-language pathologist for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through the analysis of current music therapy, speech-language pathology, and psychology literature, five malleable mediators were identified as having the potential to affect language development for children with ASD: (a) to develop a safe and trusting relationship with the therapist; (b) to develop imitation skills; (c) to improve turn-taking skills; (d) to develop understanding of words using the augmentative communication tools; and (e) to increase vocalization and/or verbalization. Those malleable mediators were paired with action strategies, which were identified from the literature and from the author’s clinical experience. A weekly goal-oriented music therapy intervention program was developed to address language development with children on the ASD, consisting of approximately 16 weekly 30-minute sessions divided into eight blocks. The child would progress from one block of sessions to the next once the necessary skills had been acquired. This design with target words or phrases incorporated into songs using visual materials can be used in music therapy clinical intervention contexts and can also form the basis for further research.