�I feel music with my whole being�: A Qualitative Exploration on the Musical Experiences of Autistic Adults
Mastandrea, Liv
Mastandrea, Liv
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Abstract
Background: Autism is a lifelong difference in the way people think, communicate, process information, and socialize. Although quantitative research has examined music�s role in Autistic individual�s lives, qualitative research exploring personal music experiences remains limited. Prior studies have focused on music therapy to support social, communicative, attention, and motor skills, whereas this study examined how Autistic adults naturally engage with music in their everyday lives. Purpose: To understand experiences Autistic adults have with music relating to emotions, social connection, and associated activities. Methods: Eight Autistic adults (18+) living in the United States who could read and write in English participated in this study. Participants were recruited through local community organizations (e.g., UVM Autism Collaborative), word of mouth, and outreach to Autistic TikTok content creators via direct message. Community partners through the UVM Autism Collaborative provided feedback on research materials. Data were collected through an anonymous online survey administered via Qualtrics. Data were analyzed using the Braun and Clarke (2006; 2021) reflexive thematic analysis method. This method includes six steps: familiarization with dataset, coding, generating themes, developing and reviewing themes, refining, defining, and naming themes, and writing up the analysis. The faculty mentor reviewed analysis as a second coder. Results: I identified five themes. 1) Being part of the music (embodied the music beyond the auditory experience); 2) Coping, regulation & productivity (used music to support emotional regulation and task completion); 3) Connecting with emotions deeply (enhanced understanding and experience of emotions); 4) Music with others vs. alone (music had a different impact with others compared to listening alone); 5) Alternative form of communication (music helped communicate in ways words cannot). Discussion: By centering Autistic voices, this study contributed to a broader understanding of music�s emotional and social significance in Autistic adults� lives and highlighted the diversity of their lived experiences.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Psychological Science
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College of Arts and Sciences
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Social Science