Calming effects of repetition in music for children with sensory sensitivities

Abstract

Most people diagnosed with autism experience some form of sensory sensitivity and anxiety. Repetitive behaviours such as rocking, flapping, and spinning are a typical way to self- regulate and help reduce anxiety. Yet, the stigma attached to these behaviours can attract social judgement and isolation. Children with sensory sensitivities often miss out on the emotional, social, and developmental benefits of attending a live classical concert as they are unable to regulate their senses when required to meet the traditional expectation of sitting still and being quiet during the concert. This research investigates how the predictability of intraopus (internal) repetition in classical music can reduce anxiety and increase engagement and interest for children aged 5-14 with sensory sensitivities. The two-part experiments studied the children's responses to live music with strong and weak repetition, performed by a professional musician. Study 1 was conducted one-on-one, and in which parents or carers were asked to observe and record their child's response to the music by filling in a questionnaire using the Music in Dementia Assessment Scale (MiDAS), and the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC). Study 1 also included FaceReader analyses and finger oximeter measurement of arousal level. Study 2 was organised as a live concert to further explore the research questions in a realistic setting. The parents and carers were asked to record their observations using the MiDAS and MASC. The results showed that both music types had a calming effect; additionally in Study 2 the children responded with significantly higher interest and engagement levels when listening to music with high internal repetition.

Date of Award	2022
Original language	English