Exploration of Parents' Experiences and Perceptions regarding The Role of Music in Their children having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study is to evaluate place of music in the life of individuals having ASD with a phenomenological approach. Population of the study consisted of thirteen parents who have a child diagnosed with ASD. A semi-structured question guide was applied, in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted. Each interview was transcribed verbatim. Themes and sub-themes were determined after marking the codes with consensus of the research team. In the analysis of data, thematic content analysis and Atlas-ti as the software program were used. Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guideline was utilized. Our findings revealed that all individuals with ASD listened to songs in daily life and their interest began at young ages particularly with cartoon and TV music and that they tried to imitate the song they have listened; thus enhancing creativity. Furthermore they tried to dance as an expression of enjoyment when they heard music. Also, parents mentioned positive effects of music such as reflecting feelings, expressing themselves through music, easing or preventing the meltdown, helping to concentrate, enhancing learning, using new words, methaphors or figurative language and easing memorization. These benefits can help overcoming cognitive impairment. Individuals showed interest in musical instruments, particularly drumming. Overall parents believed the music facilitated socialization of ASD individual. As a conclusion, music interaction should be included in the treatment and education of individuals with ASD; furthermore music can be used as a tool for preventing and easing down the meltdowns.

Keywords

• Individual with autism (ASD)
• Music in daily life
• Music interaction therapy
• Treatment and education

Supporting Institution

The authors declared that this study has received no institutional or financial support.

Ethical Statement

The study was approved by the concerned University Local Ethics Committee on 16.01.2024 (No: 09.2023 1536) and adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants were free to leave the study at any point.

Thanks

We would like to thank all participants who agreed to take part in this research and for spending their valuable time with us.

Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu (OSB) Olan Çocuklarda Müziğin Rolüne Yönelik Ebeveynlerin Deneyimlerinin ve Algılarının Incelenmesi

Abstract

Derinlemesine görüşmeler ve tematik analiz kullanan bu nitel çalışmanın amacı, otizm spektrum bozukluğu olan bireylerin yaşamında müziğin yerini fenomenolojik bir yaklaşımla değerlendirmektir. Çalışmanın evreni, en az bir otizm spektrum bozukluğu (OSB'li birey) tanısı almış çocuğu olan on üç ebeveynden (8 anne ve 5 baba) oluşuyordu. Yarı-yapılandırılmış bir soru kılavuzu uygulandı, derinlemesine yüz yüze görüşmeler yapıldı. Her görüşme kelimesi kelimesine yazıya geçirildi. Temalar ve alt temalar, araştırma ekibinin fikir birliği ile kodların işaretlenmesinden sonra belirlendi. Verilerin analizinde tematik içerik analizi yapıldı. Yazılım programı olarak Atlas-ti kullanıldı. Nitel Araştırma Raporlama Standartları (SRQR) kılavuzu kullanıldı. Bulgularımızda ortaya çıkan ana temalar; OSB'li bireyin tanısı, tedavisi ve eğitimi, seslere tepki, OSB'li bireyin müziğe ilgisi ve OSB'li bireyin günlük yaşamda müzik etkileşimi olmuştur. Bulgular, tüm OSB'li bireylerin günlük yaşamda şarkı dinlediğini, ilgilerinin küçük yaşlarda özellikle çizgi film ve TV müzikleriyle başladığını ve dinledikleri şarkıyı taklit etmeye çalıştıklarını; böylece yaratıcılıklarını geliştirdiklerini ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca müzik duyduklarında keyif aldıkları için dans etmeye çalışmaktadırlar. Ayrıca ebeveynler müziğin duygularını yansıtma, kendilerini müzik aracılığıyla ifade etme gibi olumlu etkilerinden bahsetmişlerdir. Müzik ayrıca öfke nöbetlerini hafifletmeye veya engellemeye yardımcı olmuş, konsantrasyonu arttırmış, öğrenmeyi kolaylaştırarak bilişsel bozukluğun üstesinden gelmeye, yeni kelimeler öğrenmeye, metaforlar veya mecazlı dil kullanmaya ve ezberlemeyi kolaylaştırmaya yardımcı olmuştur. Ayrıca müzik aletlerinin, özellikle davulun OSB'li bireyler için faydaları vardır. Genel olarak ebeveynler, müziğin OSB'li bireyin sosyalleşmesini kolaylaştırdığına inanmaktadır. Sonuç ve öneriler olarak müzik etkileşiminin, OSB'li bireylerin tedavisine ve eğitimine dahil edilmesi önerilebilir. Ayrıca müzik, öfke nöbetlerini önlemek ve hafifletmek için bir araç olarak kullanılabilir.

Keywords

• Otizmli Birey (OSB)
• Günlük yaşamda müzik
• Müzik etkileşim terapisi
• Tedavi ve Eğitim

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