The Role of Music Therapy in Promoting Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract. Based on data gathered by WHO, 1 in 160 children has autism (WHO, 2017). This rapidly increasing number has alarmed parents and healthcare professionals. One of the primary concerns raised by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is the lack of initiative from their children in communication. Prior to verbal means of communication, parents communicate with their babies using musical cues such as rhythm, dynamics, melody, volume, tempo, and intensity (Stern, 1985). In addition, 'motherese' or infant-directed singing is found effective in promoting parent-infant bonding (Gardner & Goldson, 2002). The abovementioned theories support the practice of music therapy on children with communication issues. Given the growing practice with this population worldwide (Wigram, 2002;Oldfield, 2006; Thompson, 2012), music therapy is considered a new intervention in Indonesia. This pilot study aims to investigate the effects of music therapy in communication and social skills development of a child with autism. It includes a single-case study that has been analyzed qualitatively through observation and video analysis. A child received individual weekly music therapy sessions for a year at home, run by a registered music therapist. The results showed an increase of eye contact, turntaking, and shared playing. The enjoyment in music making and improvisation leads to the awareness of other's presence in the room, which later translates into the responsiveness in both musical and verbal cues.

Implementasi Terapi Bermain Flash Card Untuk Meningkatkan Interaksi Sosial Anak Autisme

“…Setiap tahun perkembangan autisme di Indonesia semakin meningkat. Berdasarkan data Badan Pusat Statistik saat ini di Indonesia terdapat sekitar 270,2 juta dengan perbandingan pertumbuhan anak autis sekitar 3,2 juta anak (Statistik, 2020). Data pendukung lain menunjukkan sebesar 139.000 anak penderita autis dari 400.000 anak berkebutuhan khusus di Indonesia.…”

In What Way Does Music Improve Learning in Medical Education? A Systematic Review

“…More recently, modern medicine has embraced the therapeutic role of music and its use as a communicative tool. This is especially apparent in children in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have limitations in verbal communication and in the rehabilitation of stroke patients (25,26).…”

Pembelajaran Musik Berbasis Kodaly pada Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial Anak Autisme: Studi Literatur

“…Ds, 2002). Berdasarkan data yang dikumpulkan oleh World Health Organization (WHO), 1 dari 160 anak didiagnosa memiliki gangguan autisme (Subiantoro, 2018). Prevalensi Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) di seluruh dunia terus mengalami peningkatan dari tahun ke tahun, dilaporkan prevalensi autisme di seluruh dunia berjumlah 1-3% (Bharathi et al, 2019).…”