Juliet Wood is a music therapist and works with autistic children, young people and their families as well as those with complex disabilities, both for the NHS and privately. Juliet has worked in a range of education, healthcare and community settings and is particularly interested in working alongside and learning from the experiences of children and families to develop our understanding of the role music can play in our everyday lives and wellbeing.
This paper describes a music therapy research project designed in collaboration with parents in order to gather families’ experiences of supporting autistic girls. Aims were, firstly, to develop an understanding of child and family experience in the pre-school years, and secondly to investigate music therapy’s potential in supporting autistic girls.
The project has taken place in an NHS Child Development Service where music therapy is a well-established part of the multi-disciplinary offer. Although historically fewer referrals have been received for females than males, it is now vital for Music Therapists to develop their approach and understanding, to ensure that support is being provided effectively for girls.
This project grew out of current practice in a service where the views and experience of families are highly valued and incorporated into decision-making about service provision and development. The design, delivery and evaluation of a music therapy focus group for parents will be presented in order to highlight the value and importance of working in partnership with families.