Parent-Mediated Music Interventions with Children with ASD: a Systematic Review

Parent-mediated interventions complement professional services and empower parents. In music therapy, this treatment modality is emerging. A systematic review was conducted to assess the existence of parent-mediated music interventions with children with ASD, identify the characteristics of parent coaching used, and summarize results. Thirteen studies were selected. Framework analyses were performed on descriptions of “parent-mediated,” “parent coaching,” outcomes, measures, and findings. Quality of the research and of the training programs varied substantially. Salient findings include emerging interest in involving parents in treatment, limited conceptual frameworks for parent coaching, and limited development of this modality. High attrition, parental effort, and mixed populations limit the internal and social validity of studies. Music therapists may consider investigating parent-mediated interventions, while considering parental effort.