| Title: |
Piloting Therapeutic Drumming with Autistic Children: Effectiveness and Feasibility. |
| Authors: |
Prisco, Dina; Friedman, Zahava L.; Ochoa, Jorge; Nuesi, Talia; Guarino, Carmen; Cheuvront, Barbara; Higgins, Patricia; Centi, Danielle |
| Source: |
Occupational Therapy in Health Care; Oct2025, Vol. 39 Issue 4, p945-961, 17p |
| Subject Terms: |
Treatment of autism; Medical protocols; Music therapy; Neurodiversity; Occupational therapy for children; Clinical trials; Pilot projects; Leadership; Research evaluation; Treatment effectiveness; Mann Whitney U Test; Psychological well-being; Pre-tests & post-tests; Early intervention (Education); Research methodology; Statistical reliability; Asperger's syndrome; Data analysis software; Social participation; Patient participation; Children |
| Abstract: |
This study measured the effectiveness and feasibility of therapeutic drumming for autistic children, targeting the meaningful occupational components of authentic social and personal participation of children. A 6-week therapeutic drumming intervention was implemented interprofessionally in two early-childhood classrooms with ten autistic children (N = 10), ages two through six. Two outcome measures were completed pre- and post-intervention: the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3), the Social and Personal Relationship Scale (SPRS). Descriptive statistics on pre- and post-intervention mean scores were generated and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to determine the areas where mean score changes were statistically significant. Significant differences were found between each component of the SPRS, and on two BASC-3 subsections (e.g. response to teacher, transition movement). Misalignment between language on the BASC-3 and neurodiversity affirming practice was identified as a notable limitation of the study. Feedback collected from lead facilitators regarding efficacy and implementation feasibility was collected via interview following the program. The implication of this pilot study provides preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness and feasibility of therapeutic drumming, which must be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |