Research into increasing resilience in children with autism through music therapy: Statistical analysis of video data

Introduction- This article describes a retrospective research evaluation of data generated within the international music therapy trial TIME-A. In this retrospective evaluation, the main objective was to investigate the effects of individual music therapy sessions on resilience in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method- Video excerpts of individual music therapy sessions over a period of five months with 13 children between the ages of four and six with ASD were analysed. Six children received weekly music therapy sessions and seven children received music therapy sessions three times a week. An improvisational music therapy model was used. Short sections of music therapy session videos were selected for microanalysis. A five-second time sampling method was used. For every five-second interval, observed behaviour indicative of resilience was documented using video annotation software. Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) were chosen for the statistical analysis. Results- Out of the 11 response variables, seven yielded a significant p-value in the full-null model comparison. Intrapersonal protective resilience factors, such as the ability to express emotions, awareness of others and goal-directed behaviour were strengthened by music therapy. In addition, treatment intensity had a significant effect on one variable and verbal ability a significant effect on four variables. Discussion- Results suggest that music therapy enhances the likelihood of resilience in young children with ASD. The importance of increasing resilience for children with ASD rather than reducing symptoms is emphasised. GLMM models of statistical analysis are recommended for future music therapy research.