Date of Award
Spring 8-1-2001
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Communication
First Advisor
David W. Worley
Second Advisor
Debra A. Worley
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to determine if the harp could be used as a communication channel for children with autism. The two research questions guiding this study were: (1) Will a child with autism utilize the harp to try to communicate a message? And (2) if the harp is utilized by a child with autism as a communication channel, can the receiver decode the intended message? Two qualitative case studies using constant comparison analysis were conducted over a six-day observation period. Five predominant responses emerged: (1) initial reaction to the instrument, (2) bonding with the instrument, (3) socialization through the instrument, (4) nonverbals associated with the instrument and (5) vocalization efforts. Both cases revealed positive responses by the children in using the harp as a communication channel. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of this research and suggestions for further study, as well as limitations and a general summary.
Recommended Citation
Kissinger, Lori A., "The Music Channel: Integrating the Harp Into The Communication Process Of Children With Autism" (2001). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3462.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3462
Included in
Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Music Therapy Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons