A study of the effects of therapeutic listening on targeted negative behaviors of selected students with autism
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Authors
Driskill, Deena
Issue Date
2005
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Special education
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if therapeutic listening reduced targeted negative behaviors of a select group of autistic students. Tracked behaviors were those identified on each child’s Individual Education Program (IEP). The study was conducted at a non-public school, with five culturally diverse, male autistic students, ages 6-20 as subjects. Each student participated in the therapeutic listening program for two months.
Students were selected by the school’s speech and language therapist to participate in the therapeutic listening program, based on the severity of their negative behaviors. The selected population was a sample, comprising approximately fifty percent of the autistic students attending the school.
Instruments used in collecting data for this study were each student’s IEP, weekly Behavior Tracking Charts used at the non-public school, and Therapeutic Listening Logs that indicated the frequency and duration of student participation in the program. Baseline data was included in the weekly behavior charts.
Each received 30 minutes of therapeutic listening at school, five days per week, unless absent. All students listened to the same series of CDs during the two month study. The models of headphones and CD players were the same for each student. Vestibular stimulation, postural movement and tactile activities were also part of each student’s daily sensory program.
Study results are presented in narrative form, as well as in tables and graphs. Implications for teachers and for further research are also presented.