Understanding Social-Emotional Development through Music: A Qualitative Approach to Autism Support in China

Yanfei Yang

doi:10.56868/jadhur.v4i2.266

Authors

Yanfei Yang Department of Music, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5836-3878

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56868/jadhur.v4i2.266

Keywords:

Music Therapy, Social-Emotional Development, Cultural Sensitivity, Non-Verbal Communication, Emotional Regulation, Social Bonding

Abstract

This study investigated how music therapy supports social-emotional development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within China’s cultural context, addressing three objectives: (1) examining emotional regulation through music, (2) assessing its role in social bonding, and (3) exploring cultural influences on therapeutic adoption. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA), we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 caregivers and therapists, analyzing data through thematic coding and iterative interpretation. Findings revealed that music bridges communication gaps for nonverbal children, with rhythmic structures enhancing emotional recognition particularly valuable in China’s indirect emotional expression norms. While group music activities improved social reciprocity through synchronized engagement (drumming), sensory differences necessitated individualized adaptations. Culturally, music therapy’s non-stigmatizing nature increased family acceptance, though Confucian avoidance of disability discourse sometimes limited families to music-based interventions alone. The study concludes that music therapy’s effectiveness in China hinges on harmonizing cultural preferences (collective harmony) with neurodiversity-aware personalization. Key implications include: (1) developing culturally adapted music protocols that leverage rhythmic synchrony for social goals, and (2) addressing stigma through community education to prevent therapeutic monocultures. These insights advance global autism research by demonstrating how cultural values mediate evidence-based interventions’ implementation and efficacy.

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