The Effectiveness of Music Therapy on Behavioral Problems in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of music therapy on behavioral problems in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder.Methods: The research method of this study was quasi-experimental using a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the study included high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder in special schools and counseling centers of Bandar Anzali city during the academic year 2023-2024. A total of 30 individuals were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (15 individuals) and control (15 individuals). The Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used for both groups. The experimental group received ten 45-minute sessions of music therapy intervention, while the control group received no intervention. After the completion of the therapy sessions, the questionnaire was administered again to both groups. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) statistical method with SPSS-27 software at a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: The results showed that music therapy is effective in improving behavioral problems of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that music therapy can be used to improve behavioral problems of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder in schools or rehabilitation centers.