An Experience of Music Therapy with Autistic Subjects

Author(s): Rossi, G. M.

Abstract: Essential data about the context of the experience: The experience was carried out by the team of Centro Trentino Musicoterapie composed of four therapists, with a group of five adult autistic subjects, patients of the Istituto Piccola Opera, of Livico Terme (Trento - Italy). The experience was based on serveral reference pattern, integrating particularly the psychoanalytical-psychodynamic model of R. Benenzon and the empatic help-relation of C. Rogers. The sessions were divided into three moments: listening, playing and listening. Regressive situations were created in which the subjects expressed some signs of well-being and enjoyment. During the sessions there was a change from a static situation to a different use of space in which the pursuit of closeness-contact with the therapists came out at the same time as a fall in defence. A particular communication between therapists and subjects has been achieved. There have not been any exchanges among the subjects within the group. This paper will be published by the BSMT late in l992, price on application.

Note: Istituto Piccola Opera of Levico Terme, Trento, Italy

Keyword(s): Music-therapy, autism, methodology, evaluation.

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