Music-based approaches to autism spectrum disorder: Education, therapy and social-emotional contributions

KIRPIK Fatma Nurdan. Musıc-Based Approaches To Autısm Spectrum Dısorder: Educatıon, Therapy And Socıal-Emotıonal Contrıbutıons, Master Thesis, Ardahan, 2025. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction with limited and repetitive activities, interests, and behaviors. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2016 data, it is seen in one in every 54 children. Autism, which is a neuropsychological disorder, does not have a definitive treatment since its exact etiology is unknown. Music, which is a part of the multidisciplinary service, helps autistic children develop language development, attention span and emotional sensitivity. Music has the potential to improve communication by focusing on changes in voice tone and emphasis. Although the cause of autism spectrum disorder is not exactly known, it is defined as a disorder in brain functions. It is stated that music, which is a part of multidisciplinary service, improves the language development, attention span and emotional sensitivity of autistic children. Music has the potential to improve communication by focusing on changes in voice tone and emphasis. Thanks to the individual education programs prepared for the child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it is possible for this individual to reach a level where he can sustain his life. The cause of autism spectrum disorder is fully identified. There are many neurobiological and environmentally based theories to explain the causes of autism spectrum disorder. Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleular was the first to use the term autism. It has been found that autistic children have many different behavioral characteristics than other children and that these differences can be seen even in early childhood. When we look at various scientific studies that music education should be included in this program to be prepared, no contrary situation has been found. It helps to raise awareness by conducting more studies to support the partial healing effect of music on problem behaviors encountered in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, as well as its permanent effects on concept skill teaching, language development and communication skills. There are many neurobiological and environmentally based reasons to explain the causes of Autism Spectrum disorder. Neurobiological causes include the presence of more than one gene, hereditary effects, and differences in the central nervous system and brain structure. The scientific basis supporting the theories that environmental causes such as vaccines, various toxins and some foods cause this situation has not yet been found. The term autism has been replaced by the term autism spectrum disorders (ASD; Autism Spectrum Disorders) over time. Autism spectrum disorders are synonymous with pervasive developmental disorders and are used to mean an advanced and complex developmental disability. Autism is one of the categories under this umbrella. Autism is when a person determines his thoughts, feelings, desires according to his own way of perceiving the world. The inner reality of the autistic individual is incompatible with the outer reality. It is a process typically characterized by social unresponsiveness to the environment, verbal or other communication difficulties, compromise with reality, introversion, and obsession with objects. Individuals with autism may experience some problems in the areas of social skills, language development and behavior. These problems often include difficulty communicating with other people, making friends, and doing what is told. Individuals with autism can be extremely sad in some situations. They may not be able to express what it is affecting them and may not know how to calm themselves. They may not understand figurative expressions such as idioms or proverbs. However, with regular training: They can learn to cope with these characteristics more easily with the support of their family, friends, school and teachers. Until recently, autism was excluded from pervasive developmental disorders. Recognizing the diagnosis of autism before the age of 3 and starting education is of great importance in terms of taking part in the child's development of self-care skills and ensuring that he/she continues his education within the formal education system. The purpose of this study emphasizes the fact that music is an important tool in the education of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. By revealing some practices that can be done in music lessons in private educational institutions; The aim is to reach some suggestions that may be useful for positive radical changes in the lives of autistic children. Keywords: Music education, Autism spectrum disorder, Special education