Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of Music On The Social Behavior Of A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rachel Weinzapfel

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association as a developmental disability that causes problems with social skills and communication. The principle objective of this case study was to determine whether or not listening to music affects the social behaviors of a child with ASD. In addition, this study sought to determine if listening to different types of music caused a difference in the social behaviors of the child. Two types of music, nursery rhymes and classical instrumental, were used and four specific social behaviors; eye contact, joint attention, facial expressions, and attention seeking; were examined. …