The Effectiveness of Music Therapy on Behavioral Problems in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of music therapy on behavioral problems in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder.Methods: The research method employed in this study was a quasi-experimental design using a pre-test-post-test approach with a control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder attending special schools and counseling centers in Bandar Anzali city during the academic year ۲۰۲۳-۲۰۲۴. A total of ۳۰ individuals were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (۱۵ individuals) and a control group (۱۵ individuals). The Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used for both groups. The experimental group received ten ۴۵-minute sessions of music therapy intervention, while the control group received no intervention. After the completion of the therapy sessions, the questionnaire was administered again to both groups. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) statistical method with SPSS-۲۷ software at a significance level of p < ۰.۰۵.Results: The results showed that music therapy is effective in improving behavioral problems of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder (p < ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that music therapy can be used to improve behavioral problems of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder in schools or rehabilitation centers.

کلیدواژه ها:

Autism Spectrum Disorders ، Behavioral Problems ، High-Functioning ، Music Therapy