Family members’ and other experts’ perceptions of music therapy with children on the autism spectrum in New Zealand: Findings from multiple case studies

Abstract

Music therapists have argued that people who witness music therapy can develop good understandings of processes and potential outcomes. Family members and other experts were invited to critically examine clinical materials, generated from ten new cases of music therapy with children on the autism spectrum and presented in Narrative Assessment form, and to share their perceptions of the work. Narrative assessments include descriptive text and audio and/or video examples which capture and document children’s learning in authentic contexts; and are designed to make learning ‘visible’.Each case was interpreted by two-four people who knew the child, and six other autism experts who did not know the children. These commentators provided rich feedback regarding the personal resources that children and their therapists brought to the music therapy encounter; music therapy processes; and their perceptions of outcomes. Their observations, and their articulation of feelings and beliefs about music therapy, suggest that they developed good understanding and strong appreciation for music therapy as it is practiced in New Zealand. Narrative Assessment and qualitative case studies are highlighted as valuable ways to share professional knowledge and enable families and other stakeholders to understand what happens in music therapy programmes.