Effects of Music on Vocal Stereotypy in Children With Autism

Abstract

We examined the effects of manipulating the intensity (i.e., volume) of music on engagement in vocal stereotypy in 2 children with autism. Noncontingent access to music decreased immediate engagement in vocal stereotypy for each participant, but it produced only marginal effects on subsequent engagement in the behavior (i.e., after withdrawal). Manipulating the intensity of music did not produce differential effects on immediate engagement in vocal stereotypy. The implications of the results and applications for future research are discussed.

Effects of Noncontingent Music on Vocal Stereotypy and Toy Manipulation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…First, we did not conduct a preference assessment for music, but prior research has suggested that parental reports of preference could be used to identify music to decrease vocal stereotypy (e.g., Lanovaz et al, 2011;Saylor et al, 2012). First, we did not conduct a preference assessment for music, but prior research has suggested that parental reports of preference could be used to identify music to decrease vocal stereotypy (e.g., Lanovaz et al, 2011;Saylor et al, 2012).…”

“…In recent years, a growing number of studies have examined the effects of matched stimulation on engagement in vocal stereotypy (e.g., Ahearn, Clark, DeBar, & Florentino, 2005;Lanovaz, Sladeczek, & Rapp, 2011;Rapp, 2007;Saylor, Sidener, Reeve, Fetherston, & Progar, 2012). In the case of vocal stereotypy, matched stimulation typically involves continuous access to stimuli that produce auditory stimulation.…”

“…Because matched stimulation may interfere with engagement in other behavior and produce satiation when continuous access to the stimulus is provided for prolonged periods (Lindberg, Iwata, Roscoe, Worsdell, & Hanley, 2003), the intervention is generally implemented during short periods interspersed by other daily activities. To date, researchers have shown that matched stimulation either decreased or at least did not increase subsequent engagement in vocal stereotypy (e.g., Lanovaz et al, 2011;Rapp, 2007). For example, the clinical utility of an intervention that reduces immediate engagement in stereotypy but increases engagement when it is withdrawn is debatable.…”

The Effect of Music Therapy Along With Play Therapy on Social Behaviors and Stereotyped Behaviors of Children With Autism

“…The use of music and music-based games improve, delay, and restrict non-musical background of children with autism (Reschke-Hernandez, 2011). Lanovaz, Sladeczek, andRapp (2011), Lanovaz, Rap, andFerguson (2012), and Saylor, et al (2012) examined the impact of music on vocal stereotyped behaviors of children with autism and found that non-random access to auditory stimulation (e.g. music and audio produced using toys) immediately decreases vocal stereotyped behaviors in these children.…”

The Utility of Assessing Musical Preference Before Implementation of Noncontingent Music to Reduce Vocal Stereotypy

“…When provided contingent on a behavior, preferred music (identified via the preference assessment) maintained higher levels of correct responding than nonpreferred music, which indicated that the methodology could be used to identify musical stimuli with potential reinforcing effects. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that music also can be provided noncontingently to reduce vocal stereotypy (e.g., Lanovaz, Sladeczek, & Rapp, 2011; Saylor, Sidener, Reeve, Fetherston, & Progar, 2012). However, researchers have not examined the utility of conducting a music preference assessment prior to implementing noncontingent music.…”