Family‐centred music therapy to promote social engagement in young children with severe autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled study

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Thompson, G., McFerran, K. S., & Gold, C. (2013). Family‐centred music therapy to promote social engagement in young children with severe autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled study. Child: Care, Health and Development, 40(6), 840-852. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12121

Publication date: 22 Nov 2013 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

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3
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 3 (33.3%)
  1. Grace Thompson *
  2. Katrina Skewes McFerran
  3. Christian Gold

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Limited capacity for social engagement is a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often evident early in the child's development. While these skills are difficult to train, there is some evidence that active involvement in music-making provides unique opportunities for social interaction between participants. Family-centred music therapy (FCMT) endeavours to support social engagement between child and parent within active music-making, yet the extent of benefits provided is unknown. AIM: This study investigated the impacts of FCMT on social engagement abilities. METHODS: Twenty-three children (36-60 months) with severe ASD received either 16 weeks of FCMT in addition to their early intervention programmes (n = 12), or their early intervention programme only (n = 11). Change in social engagement was measured with standardized parent-report assessments, parent interviews and clinician observation. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis for the Vineland Social Emotional Early Childhood Scale indicated a significant effect in favour of FCMT. Thematic qualitative analysis of the parent interviews showed that the parent-child relationship grew stronger. CONCLUSION: FCMT improves social interactions in the home and community and the parent-child relationship, but not language skills or general social responsiveness. This study provides preliminary support for the use of FCMT to promote social engagement in children with severe ASD.

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Cited references
52
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
1 / 52 (1.9%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
1 / 119 (0.8%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 1 / 25 (4.0%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 1 / 105 (1.0%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
25 / 119 (21.0%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 19 / 105 (18.1%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
24 / 25 (96.0%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 24 / 119 (20.2%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 18 / 19 (94.7%).
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