EFFICACY OF MUSIC THERAPY FOR PROMOTING SOCIABILITY IN A CHILD WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

A twenty two year old individual, showing deficits in the emotional regulation and socially-apt behavior was referred for this case study by his special educator. The Sociability Domain of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was used pre and post the intervention. The intervention was based on the Guided Focus Program designed as part of music therapy at Karachi Vocational Training Centre for Intellectually Challenged. The intervention phase lasted for 3 months (36 sessions and each session was of 45 minutes). The participant showed significant changes in the sociability domain of Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). This case contributes to the evidence base for the efficacy of Music Therapy. However, further research is needed to confirm its long term efficiency while comparing it to other alternative treatments.