The Development of Music Activities to Promote Communication Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop music activities in order to evolve the communication skills for Autism Spectrum Disorders children. Action Researsh was used in this research. SThe target group of this study is the Autism Spectrum Disorders children; the participants criteria are 5 cases of children aged between 5 – 7 years old. The research tools are musical activities based on Assessment in music therapy process for children with special needs and Interactive Music Therapy in Child and Family Psychiatry. The result indicate that that musical activities, in the first cycle, can increase in the participants’ interaction with people nearby and higher concentration. The second cycle shown that the participants develop their communication skill, decrease self-absorbed with their own world. Furthermore, the third cycle presents that the participants are able to be leader alike follower, they also well respond with each other while playing music.