Effect of Music Intervention on the Behaviour Disorders of Children with Intellectual Disability using Strategies from Applied Behaviour Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The effect of music intervention on mild and moderate Intellectually disabled children was studied in non-randomized pre-test post-test control group design at an Indian state (Jammu) J&K.

Method: The mild and moderate intellectual disabled children fulfilling inclusive and exclusive criteria were placed into control and experimental group. BASIC-MR part-B (pre-test) was administered on both the groups. Intervention in music activities using strategies from Applied Behaviour Analysis was introduced sequentially to the experimental group. Children in the control group were not involved in any additional activity. Both the groups were assessed after 6 months (post-test) to find out the effect of intervention.

Results: The mean difference between both the groups of mild and moderate intellectually disabled children was significant. In both mildly disabled children, F (1, 2) = 36.937, p = .026 and moderately disabled children F (1, 13) =71.686, p = .000, the effect of the music intervention was highly significant.

Conclusion: Music intervention program produced significant changes in the domains of violent and destructive behaviour and misbehaviours with others domains of children with mild intellectual disability. In children with moderate disability, music intervention produced significant changes in the domains of violent and destructive behaviour, misbehaviours with others, self-injurious behaviours, repetitive behaviours, hyperactivity, rebellious behaviours, and anti-social behaviours. Both mild and moderate intellectually disabled children didn’t show any significant change in temper tantrums, odd behaviours and fears domains of behaviour disorders.