Music therapy and autism: a spectrum of approaches across the lifespan - what does this mean for the profession?

Elizabeth Coombes, Emma Maclean, Amelia Oldfield, Alastair Roberts, Beth Pickard

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceOtherpeer-review

    Abstract

    Background: This roundtable will explore a spectrum of approaches for music therapy and autism from the perspective of practitioners in the UK, all of whom have contributed to a forthcoming publication (Dunn, Coombes, MacLean, Mottram and Nugent 2019). The tension and resonance between evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence will form the lens through which this exploration takes place.

    Objectives: To foster debate regarding how aspects of practice may influence the way we develop a body of evidence supporting work with this population.

    Content: As demands for evidence-based practice continue to encourage positivistic research, there may be a tendency to overlook the diversity of music therapy approaches with this population. From each of their perspectives, the panel will provide research and practice-based insights into their experiences of working with this client population,

    Discussion:
    • does the need for large RCT trials (Geretsegger et al. 2014, Crawford et al. 2017) mean that we are in danger of losing the richness of the diversity of approaches needed with people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions?
    • Are there times when we strive to change the person with autism rather than impacting society’s view of the condition?
    • How does collaborative and transdiscplinary working link with the development of an evidence base?

    Conclusion: the diversity of approaches and thinking offered by the panel will provide the opportunity for a relevant discourse in this field of practice.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished - 27 Jun 2019
    EventEuropean Music Therapy Conference - Aalborg University, Aalbog, Denmark
    Duration: 26 Jun 201930 Jun 2019
    https://www.musictherapy.aau.dk/emtc19/

    Conference

    ConferenceEuropean Music Therapy Conference
    Country/TerritoryDenmark
    CityAalbog
    Period26/06/1930/06/19
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • music therapy
    • autism
    • spectrum
    • evidence based practice
    • practice based evidence

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