Music Therapy for People with Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – a Systematic Review
Zara Thompson1 1St John Of God Accord, Greensborough, Victoria, Australia
Abstract
Background: Music therapy has long been recognised as a motivating and accessible therapy that can support people with a range of disabilities. Since the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, people with cognitive, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities have experienced increased opportunities to access music therapy to work towards their individual goals. While there is a strong evidence base for music therapy broadly, the literature relating to how music therapy can support people with cognitive, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is still growing.
This paper presents the result of a systematic review of music therapy with this population, and identify target areas for future research and practice.
Method: This systematic review included quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method studies. Seven electronic databases were searched systematically, and hand searches were conducted for an additional four journals. Data was synthesised using a narrative synthesis method (Popay et al. 2006).
Results: Synthesis of data is still being finalised; however, preliminary results reveal that the majority of the extant literature focuses on Autism and Dementia, with other types of cognitive, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities featuring less. Quality review of the included studies reveals methodological challenges of researching such diverse populations and complex interventions. Final results of the synthesis will be shared during this presentation.
Discussion/Conclusion: The implications of the findings will be discussed, including directions for future research, reflecting on what ‘gold standard’ evidence may mean in this context, and how disability rights and neuroaffirming practice ideologies may influence future research and practice.
Biography
Dr Zara Thompson is registered music therapist and researcher. She currently works as Senior Music Therapist at St John of God Accord, where she leads a team of music therapists who work with NDIS participants. In Zara’s clinical work, she supports people with cognitive, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and also facilitates the Rewire Musical Memories choir – an inclusive and therapeutic choir for people living with dementia and their care-partners. Zara also work as a post-doctoral research fellow at The University of Melbourne, where her research interest relates to using music to support people living with dementia and their supporters.