A Pilot Study on the Effects of Orff-Based Therapeutic Music in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autores/as

  • Ladan Dezfoolian MSc
  • Mina Zarei MD
  • Hassan Ashayeri MD
  • Majid Yousefi Looyeh PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v5i3.325

Resumen

Music has been used by therapists to facilitate communicative behaviors and social engagement with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted this study to determine the effectiveness of Orff music therapy on social interaction, verbal communication, and repetitive behavior of children with autism. Five children with autism who had no previous experience in music or play therapy were recruited. Social interaction, verbal communication, and repetitive behavior of the participants were scored pre- and postintervention (Orff music therapy) using Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised. The mean scores of social interaction were 26.60 and 14 before and after therapy, respectively (P < .001). The mean scores of verbal communication and repetitive behavior were reduced significantly (P < .05). The reduction in the scores indicated a good outcome. All participants improved significantly in their social interaction and verbal communication. The Orff music therapy also helped to decrease their repetitive behavior. Using Orff music therapy at autistic children’s care centers is encouraged.

Biografía del autor/a

Ladan Dezfoolian, MSc

Ladan Dezfoolian, MSc, Psychology of Exceptional Children, is with the Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran.

Mina Zarei, MD

Mina Zarei, MD, is with the Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery Department, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

Hassan Ashayeri, MD

Hassan Ashayeri, MD, is with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Majid Yousefi Looyeh, PhD

Majid Yousefi Looyeh, PhD, is with the Psychology Department, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran.

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Número

Vol. 5 Núm. 3 (2013)

Sección

Full Length Articles