Strengthening empathy in children with autism: A single-case study of a music and movement programme

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty recognizing subtle expressions of feelings, identifying and understanding various other states of emotion expressed by others, and knowing what to do in a set of conditions that exist at a particular time in a particular place. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that a music-movement programme can have on a 6-year-old girl with ASD ‐ specifically her ability to recognize and understand the feelings of others, communicate clearly about her personal emotional states and build stronger relationships. Results showed that the programme appeared to enhance empathic development for the young girl with ASD and reduced the frequency of difficulty in determining emotional reactions in others, describing emotional states, and difficulty thinking and feeling about a situation. These initial results support the use of the programme to reduce maladaptive behaviours of children with ASD and increase their awareness of and sensitivity towards others.