The Effectiveness of a Music-Based Developmental Relation Therapy Program on the Promotion of the Mother-Child Relationship of Children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a music-based developmental relation therapy program on the promotion of the mother-child relationship of children with an autistic spectrum disorder. The statistical population of this study consisted of all primary school children with level 1 autistic spectrum disorder (Requiring support) that referred to the Autism Charity Center of Tehran. Sixteen boys with autistic spectrum disorder and their mothers were conveniently selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups (N=8). ATEC, GARS-2, and MCRE questionnaires were used to diagnose autism disorder and the effectiveness of the intervention program. The results of one-way ANOVA (between groups) showed that there was a significant difference between the study’s groups in Overprotection (F28,1=13/26, p=0/001, η^2=0/32 ) and Acceptance, F28,1=9/38, p= 0/01, η^2=0/25 ). Indeed, the average of the intervention group in the Overprotection and Acceptance subscales were lower and greater than the control groups respectively. Conclusion The results showed that the music-based developmental relation therapy program significantly increased the mother-child relationship of children with an autistic spectrum disorder.