Reporting on Outcomes: An Adaptation of the ‘AQR-instrument’ Used to Evaluate Music Therapy in Autism

Abstract

This article introduces an adaptation of the music therapy and autism specific AQR-instrument (Assessment of the Quality of Relationship) (Schumacher & Calvet 2007). The author developed this adaptation following the requirement to report on the outcomes of his work at a school for children with autism.

After introducing the AQR-instrument, the author describes how his adaptation enables him to produce bar charts illustrating client progress. This is done by drawing on the procedures of the Developmental Disabilities – Children’s Global Assessment Scale (Wagner et al. 2007). A case example illustrates the format used for the therapy plans, termly reports and annual review reports in which the bar charts are incorporated.