“This Is Like My First Support Group”: The Benefits of Online Music Group with Young Autistic Women in Indonesia

Abstract

Many music therapy practices with autistic people have focused on intervention with autistic children. There are a growing number of studies reporting that many autistic adults experience loneliness and negative mental health outcomes. In Indonesia, support for autistic adults is complicated by the various understandings influenced by traditional and spiritual beliefs and limited acceptance of autism in the general public. Therefore, there is a need for psychosocial support for this age group in a format and style that suits their preferences and needs. This article describes the emerging practice of an online music group with six autistic young women aged 20–24 in Indonesia. This group met weekly for 12 weeks and was facilitated by a qualified music therapist. We identified four themes using reflexive thematic analysis, including “eagerness to connect,” “sharing music and life stories,” “being with people who accept and affirm autistic people,” and “entering a supportive autistic community.” Learnings from this emerging practice suggest that an online music group could support identity formation and solidarity by offering these autistic young women the opportunity to see themselves and become mirrors for their peers. The findings highlight the potential of facilitated online meetings for the autistic community, particularly young adults, to explore their identity and develop a sense of community.

Community Brief

Why was this program developed?

The use of music in and for therapy with autistic children has been widely recognized. However, little is known about how music groups could support autistic young adults, particularly in low- and middle-income regions such as Indonesia.

What does the program do?

We invited young autistic adults in Indonesia to participate in 12 weekly online music group sessions facilitated by a qualified music therapist. During the sessions, the facilitator collaborated with the participants to design the musical and nonmusical experiences they preferred to have and could benefit from.

How did researchers evaluate the program?

Six young autistic women (age 20–24) participated in this online music group. We conducted interviews and focus group discussions within the online group sessions. We also collected field notes and musical artifacts such as songs and lyrics. We analyzed the music, stories, and observations of group interactions captured during the meetings.

What were the early findings?

Themes from our thematic analysis help to explain the motivation of young autistic adults to participate in this online music group: “eagerness to connect,” “sharing music and life stories,” “being with people who accept and affirm autistic people,” and “entering a supportive autistic community.” The findings also reveal the young autistic women’s desire to meet other autistic peers and people who accept them. Through sharing stories and music in facilitated online music group sessions, they displayed their strengths and needs as they formed a supportive autistic community.

What were the weaknesses of this project?

Due to the recruitment challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not have nonspeaking and autistic young men. Most members of this group included speaking young autistic women who could identify themselves as autistic, had good internet connection, and went to higher education. Autistic young adults who required the presence of a parent or support worker to participate were also ineligible to attend the group sessions.

What are the next steps?

Participants expressed a desire to expand this group program by including autistic young adults from more diverse backgrounds and characteristics, and we would like to do this. We also would like to extend the program by preparing autistic adults to facilitate the sessions.

How will this work help autistic adults now or in the future?

This study may inform how music therapists could support autistic people in their adult life by creating a platform such as an online music group where young autistic adults could safely disclose and explore their autistic identity. It is essential to carefully consider how music therapists position themselves in relation to participants as an ally who respect and accept autistic individuals. The participants reported that the music group helped them identify their needs and highlight their strengths. Support groups using music may help young autistic adults in Indonesia improve their mental well-being by growing solidarity and creating an autistic community together.