Music Therapists’ Perceptions of the Therapeutic Potentials Using Music When Working With Verbal Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Qualitative Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shulamit Epstein ◽  
Cochavit Elefant ◽  
Grace Thompson

Abstract While there are numerous descriptions of the use of music and its therapeutic potential by music therapists working with nonverbal children on the autism spectrum, only limited literature focuses on exploring how music therapists use music and perceive its therapeutic potential when working with children on the spectrum who have verbal skills. This qualitative study aimed to explore music therapists’ descriptions of the use of music and its therapeutic potential in their work with children on the autism spectrum who have verbal skills. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six qualified music therapists from Israel and then analyzed according to the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three main themes were identified: (a) musical infrastructure, which describes how the music therapists facilitated musical experiences to support the children’s ability to regulate their arousal, attention and emotions; (b) the meeting point between musical and verbal playfulness, which reflects the music therapists’ beliefs about how musical experiences add vitality and support the development of both verbal and nonverbal imaginative play; and (c) musical responses, which describes the different ways music therapists use their voice and songs to interact musically with verbal children. The experiences described by the participants emphasize the importance of the therapist musically attuning to the child’s emotional, physiological, creative, and playful qualities, even when the child has verbal skills. These musical interactions help to create a shared experience between the child and therapist that are perceived to help the child’s different forms of regulation, continuity, and vitality within the play.

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 319-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Feighan ◽  
Anne E Roberts

Introduction Occupational therapists believe that meaningful occupations are linked to an individual’s health and wellbeing, and there is a growing literature exploring the personal meaning of specific occupations. However, few of these studies have focused on the personal meaning of active sporting occupations and their therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to explore the personal meanings attributed to the occupation of cycling, with a view to providing occupational therapists and others with an understanding of its therapeutic potential. Method Following approval by an ethics committee, seven men and women who cycled regularly took part in semi-structured interviews. These interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret the data. Findings The findings describe how and why cycling was meaningful. Cycling altered their mind-set and their emotions, contributed towards their identity and connected them to others. These themes concur with the findings of other studies and provide a rationale for their use therapeutically. Conclusion This study contributes to what is known about the value people derive from cycling, and its impact on their health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists can use this information for individual and group therapy as well as for guidance on the health and wellbeing of communities.


Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Leedham ◽  
Andrew R Thompson ◽  
Richard Smith ◽  
Megan Freeth

Females often receive autism spectrum condition diagnoses later than males, leaving needs misunderstood. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of female adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition in middle to late adulthood. Eleven autistic females diagnosed over the age of 40 years completed semi-structured interviews, analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four superordinate themes emerged: A hidden condition (pretending to be normal and fitting in; mental health and mislabelling), The process of acceptance (initial reactions and search for understanding; re-living life through a new lens), The impact of others post-diagnosis (initial reactions; stereotyped assumptions), and A new identity on the autism spectrum (negotiating relationships, connections and community; changing well-being and views of the self; the meaning of diagnosis). Findings highlight several factors not previously identified that affect late diagnosis in females, including widespread limited understandings of others. Diagnosis was experienced by several participants as facilitating transition from being self-critical to self-compassionate, coupled with an increased sense of agency. Participants experienced a change in identity that enabled greater acceptance and understanding of the self. However, this was painful to adjust to at such a late stage.


Autism ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 882-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasa Butrimaviciute ◽  
Alan Grieve

Previous studies have demonstrated that being exposed to challenging behaviour in services of care can have a negative impact on staff. Recently, challenging behaviour has been linked to people with autism spectrum disorders; however, little research has been aimed at exploring staff’s experiences of facing such behaviour in services for autism spectrum disorders in particular. A qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted. This method involves thorough exploration of experiences revealed by individuals. A purposive sample (N = 10) was used. Participants were involved in semi-structured interviews which were later analysed according to the guidelines by Smith and Osborn. Four themes were discovered: intense mental and physical engagement, importance of adaptive coping, ambiguous experience of failure and achievement and destructive emotional reactions. Being exposed to challenging behaviour in services for autism spectrum disorders is a complex multi-component experience. The present results allow some insight into personal worlds of staff and might be useful for improving their working environment as well as ensuring a higher quality of care for service users.


2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532199594
Author(s):  
Kirsty Hill ◽  
Paul Bennett ◽  
Rachael Hunter

People with visual impairment (VI) may encounter psychosocial challenges including difficulties with socialisation/interpreting visual social cues. Social media (SM) may provide alternative means of socialisation but little is known about the experience of SM from their perspective. Semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals with VI who regularly use SM were analysed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Analysis yielded two overarching themes: social media and identity, and social connectedness. Participants described benefits of shared experience, feelings of enhanced control and challenges of SM which emphasise exclusion/inequality. Findings highlight a need for further research to understand/improve the online experience for people with VI.


Author(s):  
Lilis Lestari ◽  
Aunurrahman Aunurrahman

Background: The need for sexual education for adolescents with ASD in the formal education setting is increasingly important. The "taboo" perception of talking about sexual development and the absence of sexual education for adolescents with ASD in schools and therapy centers, then forces parents to take full responsibility for the sexual development of adolescents with ASD. The imbalance between the needs of sexual development, sexual education facilities, and the limitations of adolescents due to ASD disorders suffered, placing adolescents with ASD are in a group that is vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse. This study discusses the experiences of parents in meeting the sexual development needs of adolescents with ASD.Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 parents who have teenagers with ASD in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.Results: The results showed a sexual orientation, romantic behavior of adolescents with ASD, sexual harassment committed, and experienced by adolescents with ASD and sexual education efforts provided by parents to adolescents with ASD.Conclusions: These findings indicate the emergence of sexual education emergencies needed by ASD adolescents in the formal education setting to facilitate the needs of the adolescent stage of sexual development, especially those with ASD as part of improving adolescent quality of life and preventing sexual harassment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Kock ◽  
Andre Strydom ◽  
Deirdre O’Brady ◽  
Digby Tantam

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience of intimate relationships of women who have been diagnosed with Autism in adulthood. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were used to interview eight participants. The data were transcribed and analysed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis method. Findings Four overall themes were identified. These included “Response to the diagnosis and receiving more information about Autism”, “Factors influencing dating behaviour”, “Sex and sexual experiences” and “Experience of intimate relationships as a person with Autism”. Research limitations/implications The results of this study have implications for both research and clinical practice as it highlights the areas in which women newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could benefit from support. Practical implications The study hopes to add to the limited existing research on adult women with ASD. Originality/value To date no similar research has investigated the same phenomenon through a similar method.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 841-841
Author(s):  
Sophie Lee ◽  
Hilary Moss ◽  
Desmond O’Neill

Abstract Research suggests that group music-making can improve well-being and cognitive function in people with dementia and their family carers. The importance of the music facilitator’s role is recognised. However, empirical studies rarely capture their experiences and perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three music therapists and three community musicians with specialisms in dementia care. The interviews sought to gain a detailed understanding of their work with people with dementia. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed eight super-ordinate themes: (1) benefits of music-making for people with dementia; (2) challenges of working with people with dementia; (3) involving family carers; (4) musical content; (5) impact of the facilitator; (6) developing field of Arts and Health; (7) work as a privilege; and (8) potential for misuse of music. This study provides a useful basis from which to further develop concepts for the amelioration of people living with dementia and their families.


2020 ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
Arista Apriani ◽  
M Mufdlilah ◽  
Menik Sri Daryanti

ABSTRAK GDM dapat berpotensi menimbulkan komplikasi serius yang dapat mengakibatkan risiko kesehatan jangka pendek dan jangka panjang bagi ibu dan bayinya. diagnosis GDM menimbulkan efek emosional yang negatif. Persepsi ibu hamil tentang GDM dapat memengaruhi perubahan gaya hidup. Garis pertama penatalaksanaan DMG yaitu dengan perubahan gaya hidup. Tujuan menggali secara mendalam kebutuhan ibu dengan diagnosis diabetes melitus gestasional. Metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan  fenomenologi. Lokasi di Kabupaten Karanganyar yaitu Puskesmas Jaten I, Puskesmas Matesih dan RSUD Kabupaten Karanganyar, pada bulan Oktober 2019 - Januari 2020. Sampel secara criterion sampling Pengumpulan data dengan semistructure interview dengan one on one interview. Uji Keabsahan Data dengan Credibility pada penelitian ini menggunakan strategi validitas triangulasi, Tranferability, Dependability, Confirmability. Analisis data dengan Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Hasil penelitian kebutuhan ibu hamil dengan DMG teridentifikasi empat tema, yaitu dukungan keluarga dalam hal mengontrol pola makan, mengatarkan periksa ke tenaga kesehatan, dan mengingatkan untuk aktifitas olah raga. Dukungan sosial, yaitu cara mengontrol gula darah. Dukungan tenaga kesehatan, yaitu saran dan motivasi untuk mengontrol gula darah. Informasi mendapat saran atau perawatan DMG dalam kehamilan adalah dari tenaga kesehatan yaitu bidan, dokter, serta selain tenaga kesehatan dari teman dan internet. Kesimpulannya kebutuhan ibu hamil dengan DMG teridentifikasi empat tema, yaitu dukungan keluarga, dukungan sosial, dukungan tenaga kesehatan dan informasi.   Kata kunci: diabetes melitus gestasional, kehamilan, kebutuhan.   ABSTRACT GDM can overcome serious problems that can overcome short-term and long-term health problems for mother and baby. a diagnosis of GDM has a negative emotional effect. Pregnant women 's perception of GDM can affect lifestyle changes. The first line of management of DMG is lifestyle changes. Diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus. Qualitative research methods by studying phenomenology. Locations in Karanganyar Regency are Jaten I Health Center, Matesih Health Center and Karanganyar District Public Hospital, in October 2019 - January 2020. Sample sampling criteria Data collection by semi-structured interviews with one-on-one interviews. Data Validity Test with Credibility in this study using the triangulation validity strategy, Transparency, Dependability, Confirmability. Data analysis with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The results of the study of the needs of pregnant women with DMG identified four themes, namely supporting the family in terms of controlling diet, sending check to health workers, and reminding for sports activities. Social support, which is a way to control blood sugar. Support of Health Workers, namely advice and motivation to control blood sugar. The information obtained from DMG advice or treatment in the assessment is from health workers, namely midwives, doctors, and also health workers from friends and the internet. In conclusion, the needs of pregnant women with DMG identified four themes, namely family support, social support, support of health workers and information.  


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Wilhelm ◽  
Lindsey Wilhelm

Abstract As a music therapy private practice is both a business and a healthcare service, it should adhere to ethical standards from both disciplines. However, this topic has rarely been examined in the music therapy literature. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore ethical dilemmas experienced by music therapy business owners (MTBOs) in their private practice and how MTBOs avoid or address ethical dilemmas. Utilizing convenience and snowball sampling techniques, 21 MTBOs in the United States were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. To answer the two areas of inquiry, we identified three themes and 12 subthemes: (1) Ethical issues related to client welfare, (2) Ethical issues related to business relationships and operation, and (3) Strategies to address or avoid ethical dilemmas. MTBOs also shared how they ensure ethical behavior in themselves, with their employees or independent contractors, and when interacting with professionals outside the private practice. These findings provide a better understanding of MTBOs’ lived experiences of ethics in their private practice and may benefit other music therapists who are in private practice or are wanting to go into private practice. Limitations and recommendations for further research are provided.


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