Autism and Family-Centered Approaches in and through Music

Thompson, G., Lisboa, T., & Ockelford, A. (2023). Autism and Family-Centered Approaches in and through Music. In The Oxford Handbook of Early Childhood Learning and Development in Music (pp. 949-966). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190927523.013.54

Publication date: 20 Nov 2023 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Book chapter Article language: English

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Authors

Publication authors
3
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 3 (33.3%)

Abstract

Abstract Music practitioners with various qualifications, including music therapists and music educators, acknowledge that musical experiences offer a form of expression, interaction, and understanding that do not rely on words. Musical interactions and engagement may therefore offer a valuable context that can support diverse forms of communication and connection in early childhood that are advantageous for child development. The potential benefits of music participation for children on the autism spectrum are illustrated through descriptions of two distinct approaches: the Sounds of Intent framework, which aims to identify and promote music engagement and musical development over time; and family-centered music therapy, which aims to foster the child’s development and strengthen parent-child relationships. The dual perspectives presented in this chapter highlight possible benefits both in music and also through music for other areas of development, such as social communication, language, and cognition.

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Cited references
91
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
6 / 91 (6.6%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
6 / 124 (4.8%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 6 / 38 (15.8%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 1 / 107 (0.9%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
38 / 124 (30.6%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 24 / 107 (22.4%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
32 / 38 (84.2%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 32 / 124 (25.8%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 23 / 24 (95.8%).
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