From Research to Everyday Practice: Co-producing Music Therapy-Informed Toolkits for Autistic Children
Despite a growing evidence base demonstrating the effectiveness of music therapy for children with complex needs (Kim, Wigram, and Gold, 2008) there remains a significant gap between research findings and the practical resources available to families, educators, and healthcare professionals. While music and music therapy has been shown to support communication, emotional regulation, social engagement, and connection (Crawford et al, 2017; Williams et al, 2024), many parents and practitioners report feeling unsupported once therapy or research projects end. This poster presents a translational research project that seeks to bridge this gap through the co-production of accessible, evidence-informed music therapy toolkits.
Drawing on findings from the Autism-CHIME programme and wider music therapy literature, the project adopts a co-production methodology involving researchers, music therapists, parents, educators, and autistic people. Through collaborative workshops, stakeholder consultations, and pilot testing, participants will shape the design, content, and evaluation of a suite of music therapy-informed resources. These will include practical music-making activities, guidance materials, audio resources, and an outcomes framework that reflects the priorities of children, families, and professionals.
The project is underpinned by principles of co-production (Cahn, 2000) recognising that sustainable impact is achieved when those with lived experience help shape research translation. By embedding evidence-informed musical strategies into everyday care and educational settings, the toolkits aim to extend the benefits of music therapy beyond the therapy room and increase equitable access to therapeutic approaches.
This poster will outline the project’s rationale, methodology, and planned outputs, while considering the wider implications for research within music therapy. The project proposes a scalable model for transforming research evidence into practical resources that support children with complex needs, strengthen interdisciplinary practice, and maximise the long-term impact of music therapy research.