Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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An Exploration of the Relationship between TEACCH and a Music Therapy Student's Practice in a Special Education Setting

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posted on 2021-11-12, 09:59 authored by Algie, Philippa

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how aspects of Schopler's TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children) might be related to music therapy practice, using my own practice in an attached unit at a public primary school in New Zealand as a guide. Using a deductive exploratory research approach, I investigated whether and to what extent themes drawn from TEACCH literature were also evident in my music therapy data. This approach can also be described as secondary analysis of data. That is, clinical data relating to individual and group music therapy sessions with children who have autism was subjected to a process of thematic analysis to answer the research question. The TEACCH philosophy advocates a structured teaching approach in order to support students with autism to develop independence and skills for self management. This study finds that many elements of music therapy practice are closely linked to TEACCH values. Results from the study show that many TEACCH strategies align with fundamental aspects of music therapy, but the frequency and consistency of these similarities can vary due to the diverse strengths and needs of individuals with autism. As the process of comparing the TEACCH literature to my clinical practice developed and changed, some aspects of TEACCH became more integrated within my music therapy practice. The study also highlights the importance of balancing structure and freedom within the work and how musical structure or form can link with TEACCH strategies.

History

Copyright Date

2012-01-01

Date of Award

2012-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Music Therapy

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Music Therapy

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

New Zealand School of Music

Advisors

Rickson, Daphne