University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Poster Gallery
Preview
Creation Date
Spring 2016
Major
Therapeutic Recreation
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Jon McChesney
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Abstract
Music has developed to become a universal language to individuals of any race, ability, or ethnicity. Music has broken boundaries between our individual backgrounds, cultural heritage, and our ordinary language by providing individuals with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. This research study examines how music may be a significant tool in recreational therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through family and community integration, socialization, and mobility. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014) indicated that 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies show that a child who develops ASD will grow up possibly receiving other comorbid diagnoses, such as anxiety disorders and sensitivity to sounds. Music in recreational therapy provides children with ASD calming and sensitive sounds that may improve social behaviors and communication skills, reduce their anxiety and outside stressors, or increase their focus and attention behaviors. Interestingly some studies have reported that the classical music genre is preferred with children with autism spectrum disorder given their sensitivity to sounds.
