Music Therapy and Theatre: A Community Music Therapy Socio-Cultural Proposal for the Inclusion of Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

This article describes a meaningful therapeutic connection between music therapy and therapeutic theatre that has been done in Brazil. Through describing the relationship between these two fields, it aims to discuss another possibility of intervention in music therapy in the treatment of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Theatre performance can expand therapeutic action physically and subjectively beyond the music therapy room, helping clients expand their creative world and possibilities for social interactions. This practice cannot be characterized as psychodrama or drama therapy but rather the use of a specific music therapy process utilizing the theatre as a resource. In the case described, this resource incorporates and applied creative and therapeutic power to the treatment of a group comprised by eight young adults, most of whom have been diagnosed with ASD. The creation and performance of many musical plays have resulted collective creation and movement related to this group’s psychological, social and cultural needs. The proposal presented is based on a community music therapy perspective.