Music-assisted programmes to improve language learning in autism (MAP)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Music-assisted programmes (MAP): Developing communication in autism spectrum disorder through music making - A feasibility study
IRAS ID
262697
Contact name
Fang Liu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN12536062
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 28 days
Research summary
About 30% of children with ASD do not develop functional speech and remain non-verbal or minimally verbal even after years of speech, language and educational interventions. A wide range of interventions have been developed for improving communication in ASD, but none have proved effective in eliciting functional speech in ASD children. \n\nResearch has found that people with ASD are more likely to have perfect pitch and prefer music to language. Further, it seems that language delay tends to co-occur with better musical skills. Brain imaging research has found that music alongside words increases the attention that people with ASD pay to spoken words. Our music-assisted programmes (MAP) will use music to attract the attention of people with ASD to speech, which may open the brain pathways to language and therefore help improve communication skills for people with ASD more than standard communication protocols. \n\nIn particular, we aim to develop and test whether individualised, easily used MAP would increase spoken language in 24-60-month-old, nonverbal or minimally verbal children with ASD. We will develop a structured training method, delivered through naturalistic, interactive activities (e.g., songs) to teach language to ASD children. We will test this by comparing two groups: one undertaking music-assisted programmes, and the other receiving speech and language therapy in the way that it is usually provided in NHS clinics. Participants will be allocated to groups randomly. The efficacy of MAP will be assessed through the learning of 36 target words. The 36 words will be chosen so that they are relevant to the everyday activities that the children take part in. In the longer term this research will help us develop an app for parents or carers of children with ASD to design their own songs and implement their own individualised MAP.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
20/NS/0016
Date of REC Opinion
11 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion