Effect of Blended Music on Social Behaviours of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The study aimed to investigate the effects of blended music on social behaviours of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study was quantitative with a single group pretest- posttest research design. Children with ASD studying in special education institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were the population of the study. After screening children for High Functioning Autism through the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), twelve children were selected conveniently for the intervention. The Urdu version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (USRS-2) was used to measure the social behaviours of children with ASD. Blended music based on Raga Bilawal and Taal Keharwa was validated by the music experts for use during eight weeks of intervention. The data was collected before and after exposure to blended music. Mean scores for each positive and problematic social behaviour were calculated to decide upon the improvement in behaviour. The number of items showing improvement was calculated to decide upon the effect of blended music. 26% of positive behaviours were improved and 74% of problematic social behaviours were reduced. It was concluded that blended music was found effective in developing positive social behaviours and reducing the problematic social behaviours of children with ASD.