The Effect of Virtual Music Therapy Interventions on the Executive Function of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single-Case Study

Authors

  • Teeda Rupsuwan College of Music, Mahidol University
  • Natee Chiengchana College of Music, Mahidol University
  • Ampai Buranaprapuk College of Music, Mahidol University

Keywords:

Virtual Music Therapy, Executive Function, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Virtual Music Therapy Interventions on the Executive Function (EF) of five areas: working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, emotional control, and planning of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. This study employed a mixed-method design of the ABA Single-Case and Qualitative research by using interviews. Eight online Music Therapy sessions were provided to the five-year-old boy with ASD. Executive Function Development Assessment (MU.EF-101) and Executive Function Behavior Assessment (MU.EF-102) were used to measure the EF. The EF scores were analyzed using visual inspection. Parent interviewing was used to collect qualitative data on the child's behaviors related to the EF. The results showed that during the baseline A1 phase, the mean score of EF development from MU.EF-101 was 94.50 and EF’s problematic behaviors from MU.EF-102 was 60. Between the intervention phase, the score of MU.EF-101 continuously grew over time to 111, while the score of MU.EF-102 declined gradually to 38.5. During the baseline A2 phase, the mean score of MU.EF-101 was 112.50 and MU.EF-102 was 34.67. According to the findings, Virtual Music Therapy Interventions can enhance the executive functions of a child with an autism spectrum disorder.

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Published

2023-06-30

How to Cite

Rupsuwan, T. ., Chiengchana, N., & Buranaprapuk, A. . (2023). The Effect of Virtual Music Therapy Interventions on the Executive Function of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single-Case Study . Journal Of Ratchasuda Institute for Research and Development of Persons With Disabilities, 19(1), 39–60. Retrieved from https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/RSjournal/article/view/263787