Experiences of Music Therapists of Color Working with Autistic Individuals of Color
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Author
Robinson, Kazuko
Date
2022
Degree
Master of Arts in Music Therapy
Abstract
Literature discussing the perceptions of racially/ethnically diverse music therapists is
limited. This preliminary study aimed to explore the racialized experiences of music therapists
of color who had experience working with autistic individuals with racially marginalized
identities. For this study, three self-identified music therapists of color were
interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data retrieved from the interviews.
The following four themes emerged: racialized experiences of music therapists of color,
lack of education/professional training, perception of intersectionality and anti-oppressive
framework, and lack of preparedness of the music therapy profession and recommendations. The
findings demonstrated that music therapists of color experience racial/ethnic marginalization in
their daily life in the music therapy field. The findings also suggested that the music therapy
profession needs more diverse voices. Recommendations for the music therapy field and
education, and for future research, were presented.