Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
How Music is Used in Speech-Language Therapy with Children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Constructs that Support Music’s Inclusion
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Communication Disorders
Minor
Theatre Performance
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Alison Brown
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The goal of this research was to determine how music is being integrated in speech therapy sessions with children who have autism spectrum disorder and to examine the anatomical and physiological constructs that support their inclusion. This study was a review of literature, highlighting music-based interventions such as musical improvisation, Melodic Based Communication Therapy, and Auditory-Motor Mapping Training that targeted behavior, communication, social interaction, attention, and motor control. This paper also analyzes recent neurological studies that underscore how music engages the frontal and temporal areas of the brain, as well as the neural pathways between these regions. Additionally, the structure and function of an autistic brain can help explain and support the combination of music with more traditional speech therapy approaches when working with those on the autism spectrum.
Spring Scholars Week 2024 Event
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
How Music is Used in Speech-Language Therapy with Children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Constructs that Support Music’s Inclusion
The goal of this research was to determine how music is being integrated in speech therapy sessions with children who have autism spectrum disorder and to examine the anatomical and physiological constructs that support their inclusion. This study was a review of literature, highlighting music-based interventions such as musical improvisation, Melodic Based Communication Therapy, and Auditory-Motor Mapping Training that targeted behavior, communication, social interaction, attention, and motor control. This paper also analyzes recent neurological studies that underscore how music engages the frontal and temporal areas of the brain, as well as the neural pathways between these regions. Additionally, the structure and function of an autistic brain can help explain and support the combination of music with more traditional speech therapy approaches when working with those on the autism spectrum.