Using a Music Therapy Collaborative Consultative Approach - World ...

programs are not results of research investigations. More research is needed to
understand the effects of music therapy for children with autism within inclusive
preschool settings.
2.2.5.4. Inside-Out Reports Related to Music
2.2.5.4.1 From Adults’ Perspectives
Clinical documentations and research-based knowledge from various disciplines,
along with parental reports, have provided a better understanding of autism and of the
development of services for individuals with autism. Although there are unique
characteristics that identify individuals with autism, as well as educational/therapeutic
approaches that enhance the individual’s ability to participate meaningfully in their family
and community life, no one individual with autism exhibits the same behaviors or responses
in the same way. Professionals serving individuals with autism must realize that current
perceptions of children with autism are limited. Reports from individuals diagnosed with
autism who are articulate, and willing to share their experiences and perspectives, give
valuable insight and can be helpful to professionals to increase understanding and awareness
of the condition. Temple Grandin and Donna Williams, both diagnosed with autism in
childhood, reference in publications the following musical abilities and the impact of music
in their lives:
Grandin (2003) reports that throughout elementary school, she had difficulties with
speech, but ”singing however was easy” (p. 2). She also describes that melodies are the only
nonverbal information she can memorize without a visual image (Grandin & Scariano, 1996).
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