Enhancing Joint Attention Skills in a Child with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): A Single-Case Study of Using Music Therapy Intervention

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder that causes benign tumors, or hamartomas, in various organs, including the brain. These tumors can lead to seizures and epilepsy, which impact the brain's neural circuits and are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (TAND) such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and various behavioral, academic, and psychosocial difficulties. Due to these neurodevelopmental challenges, children with TSC often experience social communication delays, particularly in joint attention skills. Music therapy has been found to improve joint attention in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but its effectiveness in children with TSC has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of music therapy on joint attention skills in an 8-year-old child with TSC, using an ABAB single-case design. The study involved six baseline sessions and eleven music intervention sessions, which included singing, instrumental playing, and movement with music. Joint attention skills were assessed using the SCERTS Model, specifically the SAP-Report Form (SAP-R) and SAP-Observation Form (SAP-O). The results showed that during the baseline phases, the child’s joint attention skills had a mean score of 1.57 in the first baseline and 1.64 in the second. During the intervention phases, these scores increased to 1.85 and 1.93, respectively. The findings suggest that music therapy interventions effectively improve joint attention skills in children with TSC.