Research into increasing resilience in children with autism through music therapy: Statistical analysis of video data

ABSTRACT

Introduction

This article describes a retrospective research evaluation of data generated within the international music therapy trial TIME-A. In this retrospective evaluation, the main objective was to investigate the effects of individual music therapy sessions on resilience in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

Video excerpts of individual music therapy sessions over a period of five months with 13 children between the ages of four and six with ASD were analysed. Six children received weekly music therapy sessions and seven children received music therapy sessions three times a week. An improvisational music therapy model was used. Short sections of music therapy session videos were selected for microanalysis. A five-second time sampling method was used. For every five-second interval, observed behaviour indicative of resilience was documented using video annotation software. Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) were chosen for the statistical analysis.

Results

Out of the 11 response variables, seven yielded a significant p-value in the full-null model comparison. Intrapersonal protective resilience factors, such as the ability to express emotions, awareness of others and goal-directed behaviour were strengthened by music therapy. In addition, treatment intensity had a significant effect on one variable and verbal ability a significant effect on four variables.

Discussion

Results suggest that music therapy enhances the likelihood of resilience in young children with ASD. The importance of increasing resilience for children with ASD rather than reducing symptoms is emphasised. GLMM models of statistical analysis are recommended for future music therapy research.

KEYWORDS:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• video analysis
• generalised linear mixed models
• resilience
• children
• improvisational music therapy

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura Blauth

Laura Blauth has worked as a clinical music therapist with children, adults and families in various settings, including child development centres, schools, psychiatric units, and community settings. In 2019, she obtained her PhD at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, investigating the effects of music therapy and parent counselling on resilience in young children with autism and their families. She is currently a research fellow at the University of Applied Sciences in Würzburg (Germany) within HOMESIDE, an international RCT on dementia and family caregivers. Laura is passionate about working in partnership with the families, community members and other professionals involved in the care of her clients. She is a lecturer on the MA music therapy training course at the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg, writes about her clinical work and her research, and gives presentations for organisations and at international conferences.

Amelia Oldfield

Amelia Oldfield worked as a clinical music therapist with children with autism and their families for 40 years. She has researched, written and lectured extensively in this area. She has made several music therapy training videos as well as a full-length documentary film (Operation Syncopation) following up families with children with autism who received music therapy treatment 17 years previously (all available on YouTube). For 25 years, she was a lecturer and then professor on the MA music therapy training course at Anglia Ruskin University, which she co-founded in 1994. In September 2019, she officially “retired” but continues music therapy supervision, research consultancy, writing and teaching both in her role as Emeritus Professor at Anglia Ruskin University, and for other Universities, organisations, or individuals in the UK and abroad.