MUSIC THERAPY: THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN IN LANGUAGE USAGE FOR COMMUNICATION

Abstract

This qualitative research emphasized the development of Autistic children in language usage for communication. The objective of the research was to study the efficiency in music therapy activities for Autistic children. The population comprised 6 children studying in special center, faculty of education, Rajabhat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya University. The research instruments were the participating observation and the in-depth interview in order to analyze the data. Both pre and post music therapy activities were recorded from their parents and teachers. The research findings showed music therapy activities could gradually develop language usage in Autistic children. They can learn some vocabulary in song and try to pronounce. In addition, music can distinctly help the children develop other human behaviors like meditation, emotion, and social interaction.