The Influence of Music on Facial Emotion Recognition in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurotypical Children

• DOI: 10.1093/jmt/thw017
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01T01:30:22Z
• Authors: Laura S. Brown
• Keywords: Neurotypical

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle social skills, including the ability to perceive emotions based on facial expressions. Research evidence suggests that many individuals ASD can emotion in music. Examining whether music be used enhance recognition of by children would inform development therapy interventions. The purpose this study was investigate influence a strong emotional valance (happy; sad) ASD's label depicted photographs, and their response time. Thirty neurotypical 20 high-functioning rated expressions happy, neutral, sad 30 photographs under two listening conditions (sad music; happy music). During each condition, participants images using 7-point scale ranged from very happy. Response time data were also collected across both conditions. A significant two-way interaction revealed participants' ratings neutral faces unaffected conditions, but perceived sadder than Across as happier did ASD. times consistently shorter ASD; groups took longer rate faces. generally valence condition; however, respond when Music appears affect perceptions ASD, seem more affected emotionally congruent background are or