“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 ..