MUSIC-BASED INTERVENTION FOR AUTISM: A TWO-YEAR LONGITUDINAL CASE STUDY WITH PARENTAL COLLABORATION

Authors

  • Olivia Luan Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA
  • Yuankun Yao Professor, Ph.D., College of Education University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v12i2.6559

Keywords:

music therapy, autism spectrum disorder, neurobiology of musical cognition, parent–child interaction, emotional regulation, social communication

Abstract

Music therapy (MT) has been increasingly recognized as a supportive intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly in encouraging social communication, emotional regulation, and engagement. Research studies suggest that music therapy is most effective when it emphasizes individualized pacing, empathetic resonance, and active caregiver involvement. Building on this literature, the present study reports a two-year longitudinal case study of an individualized piano based music program for a child with autism and intellectual disability. Using parent interview data, weekly documentation of instructional materials, review of recorded piano practice, and reflective qualitative analysis, the study examines how sustained musical engagement, supported by structured home practice and parental collaboration, contributed to executive functioning, emotional resilience, and social bonding. Findings highlight the value of personalized instruction, consistency over time, and parent-mediated learning in extending therapeutic benefits beyond formal sessions. Implications for music-based intervention practice and family-centered approaches are discussed.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Olivia Luan, Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA

    Olivia Luan is a classically trained young pianist who began her musical studies at the age of four and currently studies with German concert pianist Markus Pawlik. She has performed at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, California, and at Carnegie Hall in New York City, earned top honors in multiple national and international music competitions, and appeared as a soloist with the Livermore-Amador Symphony. In addition to her musical training, Olivia has developed a strong academic interest in cognitive science and neuroscience, particularly the intersection of music and neurodevelopment. Since August 2023, she has taught piano to children with developmental disabilities at Friends of Children with Special Needs in Fremont, California. In December 2025, she founded and led an adaptive music education program serving students with autism and their families. Building on her teaching experience, she conducted a case study examining the effects of music-based interventions on individuals with autism under the mentorship of Professor Yuankun Yao.

  • Yuankun Yao, Professor, Ph.D., College of Education University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA

    Dr. Yuankun Yao is a professor at the University of Central Missouri. He regularly teaches graduate level assessment and research courses. Dr. Yao’s research interests include educational assessment and inclusive education. He has experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews, self-studies, factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and meta-analysis.

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Published

2026-02-28

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

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