Primary school teachers opinions on effective use of music in language and speech development of autistic children

Abstract

The use of music helps with autism as in: the development of language and communication, cognitive, emotional skills. Music as a tool should be used in schools so that teachers and assistants incorporate music to improve communication skills. The purpose of this study is to obtain the views and practices of teachers and assistants on how music affects the development of language and communication in students diagnosed with autism. This research was carried out with 6 teachers and 6 assistants of autistic students of elementary schools, grades (1-5), with the aim of including music in the development of communication. The research methodology is oriented to the review of local and international literature that deals deeply with this topic and with the use of semi-structured interviews with teachers and assistants of elementary schools in Kosovo. After carrying out the research, obtained satisfactory results that argue our topic that music is a tool that develops communication in students with autism. Although teachers and assistants encounter some challenges during the teaching process, they still apply comprehensive practices, methods and new contemporary strategies by applying music as a tool that helps develop language and speech in autistic students.The recommendations in this study are addressed to relevant institutions that aim to support the work of teachers and assistants and the improvement of practices related to the development of language and communication through music in the framework of primary education.

Keywords

• autistic children
• elementary school
• language and speech development
• music
• primary school teacher

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