Diverting Tantrum Behavior Using Percussion Instrument on Autistic Spectrum Disorders

The aim of this study was to distract the tantrum of the patient with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Children with tantrums disturbed others and even the children themselves, as well as the activities they were doing. From this condition, we attempted to divert the tantrums of the children with ASD by using percussion instruments. The use of musical instruments is an effective method to redirect the behavior intended to be changed since musical instruments are interesting and pleasing objects for children suffering from ASD. Owing to the matter, music and its instruments have a chance to be utilized in diverting the behavior of ASD children. This experiment by single subject design ABA took a single subject of ASD which was 7 years old. The musical instruments applied are five percussions which are tambourine, glockenspiel, tifa, maracas, and bell. The result showed that the subject throwing tantrums are hardly managed in the first baseline. It was supported by the mean baseline, which is 7.3 min, whereas the average result in treatment showed 2.3 min. It revealed that the time span of the subject’s response in treatment was less than in the baseline. However, in the treatment phase, the subject’s behavior was distracted. It occurred because the subject seemed interested and enthusiastic as playing the percussions. The treatment also increased the cognitive aspect of the subject, focusing on ongoing activities. The subject could play bell based on the therapist’s instruction and holding on to it until 15 min. The percussion instrument was able to improve the subject’s focus on playing bell and distract the tantrum.