A SURVEY OF CURRENT MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICES ADDRESSING MOTOR GOALS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

OF THESIS A SURVEY OF CURRENT MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICES ADDRESSING MOTOR GOALS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER Motor deficits in children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have started to become recognized as an area of concern. The purpose of this study was to examine practices of board-certified music therapists who address motor goals of children with ASD. A total of 168 current board certified music therapists completed an 18-item online survey regarding music therapy practices with children who have ASD, particularly the frequency with which they address motor goals and specific goals and interventions. Respondents reported addressing motor goals with children who have ASD more frequently than suggested by previous research. Motor goals most commonly addressed include imitation, upper limb coordination, hand/eye coordination, compliance, and praxis skills. The most common interventions used to address motor goals were instrument play, movement activities, dancing, using manipulatives, and taskoriented music games. Using information provided from the study, music therapists will be better equipped in helping children with ASD who have motor deficits by providing a list of commonly used interventions and which specific motor goals they are used most commonly with. A SURVEY OF CURRENT MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICES ADDRESSING MOTOR GOALS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER By Matthew John Proffitt Dr. Olivia Yinger Director of Thesis Dr. David Sogin Director of Graduate Studies _____________________ Date To my Fiance, Stephanie, for being in my life and making each day memorable. The work I put into this is a testament to your patience and support throughout this process and I couldn’t be more grateful.