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Real-time 3D Graphic Augmentation of Therapeutic Music Sessions for People on the Autism Spectrum

McGowan, John Joseph

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Abstract

This thesis looks at the requirements analysis, design, development and evaluation of an application, CymaSense, as a means of improving the communicative behaviours of autistic participants through therapeutic music sessions, via the addition of a visual modality. Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people in a number of ways, commonly through difficulties in communication. Interactive audio-visual feedback can be an effective way to enhance music therapy for people on the autism spectrum. A multi-sensory approach encourages musical engagement within clients, increasing levels of communication and social interaction beyond the sessions.
Cymatics describes a resultant visualised geometry of vibration through a variety of mediums, typically through salt on a brass plate or via water. The research reported in this thesis focuses on how an interactive audio-visual application, based on Cymatics, might improve communication for people on the autism spectrum.
A requirements analysis was conducted through interviews with four therapeutic music practitioners, aimed at identifying working practices with autistic clients. CymaSense was designed for autistic users in exploring effective audio-visual feedback, and to develop meaningful cross-modal mappings of musical practitioner-client communication. CymaSense mappings were tested by 17 high functioning autistic participants, and by 30 neurotypical participants. The application was then trialled as a multimodal intervention for eight participants with autism, over a 12-week series of therapeutic music sessions. The study captured the experiences of the users and identified behavioural changes as a result, including information on how CymaSense could be developed further. This dissertation contributes evidence that multimodal applications can be used within therapeutic music sessions as a tool to increase communicative behaviours for autistic participants.

Citation

McGowan, J. J. Real-time 3D Graphic Augmentation of Therapeutic Music Sessions for People on the Autism Spectrum. (Thesis). Edinburgh Napier University. Retrieved from http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2386291

Thesis Type Thesis
Deposit Date Dec 10, 2019
Publicly Available Date Dec 10, 2019
Keywords music therapy; interactive audio-visual application; autism spectrum condition; communication behaviours; multi-sensory approach; cymatics
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2386291
Award Date Oct 30, 2019

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