AutKom

Background: Music plays an important role in education and therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although ASD is a lifelong condition, music therapy is rarely reported in adults on the spectrum. There is a lack of structured concepts for supporting adults with ASD and intellectual disability (ID).Objective: We therefore developed a structured, mixed-gender group training combining an educational approach with musical-bodily interventions.Methods: A questionnaire with 57 items was developed to assess clients’ needs in the field of social, emotional, and practical skills. AutKom was conducted by a pedagogue and a music therapist. Setting and flow were structured with consideration of ASD-typical features. The feasibility of the program was measured by participation rate.Results: The assessment of needs resulted in a focus on social and practical skills. During two runs, emotion and stress regulation came to the fore. Music and movement-based interventions emerged as more appropriate and

Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Developmental psychology · Intellectual disability · Music therapy · Musical · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Clinical Psychology · Music Therapy and Health · Psychology