Abstract
This study explored collaborative practices between music therapists and speech therapists in support of the communication needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children with ASD commonly experience challenges in communication, including difficulties in expressive and receptive language, social interaction, and pragmatic language use. Speech therapy and music therapy are both widely used to support communication outcomes in this population, each offering distinct yet complementary approaches to address similar goals. Although these disciplines frequently collaborate in clinical practice, limited research has examined how co-treatment is implemented and experienced, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of this collaborative process.
Eight board-certified music therapists with extensive co-treatment experience participated in semi-structured interviews focused on their collaborative work with speech therapists to address the communication needs of children with ASD. Interviews explored the co-treatment process, role development and negotiation, and facilitators and barriers to collaboration. Additional topics included treatment goal identification and prioritization, observed outcomes, and the therapeutic use of music. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, and member checks were conducted to verify findings.
Findings suggest that music serves as an adaptive clinical tool that supports communication through multiple therapeutic mechanisms and opportunities for engagement. Music was used flexibly through singing, instrument play, and integration with speech therapy materials, enabling clinicians to individualize interventions while simultaneously targeting communication alongside cognitive, motor, social, emotional, and behavioral domains. Overall, co-treatment was described as a flexible and dynamic process that benefits both clients and clinicians by supporting communication development, professional growth, and interdisciplinary collaboration.