Autism - Children's Improvisational Music Therapy Evaluation
This research study, called 'Autism-CHIME', is investigating if individual music therapy sessions can help autistic children, aged 7 to 11. Specifically, it wants to find out if having music therapy alongside their normal care is better than just having normal care alone. Over 12 weeks, the study will compare these two groups to see if music therapy can improve things like social communication, general communication skills, how anxious they feel, and their overall happiness and ability to cope with everyday life. The aim is to understand if music therapy could be a helpful extra support for these children.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine a world where music could help children connect and communicate better. That's what this study, called 'Autism-CHIME', is trying to find out! We're looking at whether a special type of music therapy, where children make up music on the spot with a therapist, can help autistic children aged 7 to 11.
Children taking part will be assigned by chance to one of two groups. One group will continue with their usual support, and the other group will also receive individual music therapy sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Researchers will then compare the groups to see if the children who had music therapy show improvements in areas like social communication, talking to others, feeling less worried, and generally feeling better and more able to manage daily tasks.
This study is important because it could show that improvisational music therapy is a valuable addition to the support already available for autistic children. We hope to understand if playing music together can make a real difference in their lives.
Key takeaways
- Exploring if music therapy helps autistic children aged 7-11.
- Compares music therapy + usual care versus usual care alone.
- Focus on social skills, communication, anxiety, and well-being.
- Participation involves 12 weeks of potential therapy and follow-up assessments.
- Children are randomly assigned to one of two groups.
- Study conducted in schools across specified UK regions.
Who may be eligible?
Children who might be able to take part in this study are those between 7 and 11 years old who have an official diagnosis of autism. Their parents or guardians must be happy for them to join and for video recordings to be made of the music therapy and assessments.
It's important that children are willing to attend two music therapy sessions each week during the study period. Even if a child doesn't use many words, they can still be included.
Children can't join if they've already had regular individual music therapy in the last year, have serious hearing problems, or if their parents/guardians can't attend assessments with them or don't have a basic understanding of English.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child between 7 and 11 years old?
- Does your child have an official diagnosis of autism?
- Are you happy for your child to be video-recorded during sessions and assessments?
- Can your child attend two therapy sessions each week for 12 weeks if they are in that group?
- Has your child NOT had regular individual music therapy in the last year?
- Do you (as the parent/guardian) have a basic understanding of English?
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part, they'll first have some assessments to see if they're suitable and to get a starting picture of their abilities. After that, they'll be randomly put into one of two groups: either they will continue with their usual care, or they will have their usual care *plus* individual improvisational music therapy sessions.
The music therapy involves two sessions per week for 12 weeks. These sessions and some assessments will be video-recorded for the study. There will be assessments at the start, after 13 weeks (when the music therapy finishes), and then again about 6 months after the music therapy ends, to see how things have developed over time. The study will finish once everyone has completed their final follow-up assessments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Anglia Ruskin UniversityVerified postcodeCambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Autism Research CentreVerified postcodeCambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'improvisational music therapy'?
It's a type of music therapy where your child and the therapist make up music together on the spot, using different instruments to interact and communicate.
How long does the study last?
The main part of the study, including music therapy if your child is in that group, lasts 12 weeks, but there are follow-up assessments for about 6 months after the therapy ends.
Will my child definitely get the music therapy?
Not necessarily. Children are randomly assigned to either receive music therapy plus usual care, or just usual care, to ensure a fair comparison.
Where is the study taking place?
The study is being run in mainstream and special schools across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, London, and other parts of the South and East of England.
Are there any costs involved for me?
No, you should not incur any costs for your child's participation in the study.
How to find out more
Simon Baron-Cohen, Professor
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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