"It is more Important than food sometimes"; Meanings and Functions of Music in the Lives of Autistic Adults Through a hermeneutic-phenomenological Lense.

Researchers interviewed 13 autistic adults about how music affects their lives. They found music serves many purposes - from making boring tasks more fun to helping with deep personal struggles. Music helped with wellbeing, personal growth, and feeling connected to others. However, music could also sometimes have negative effects. The study shows music can be very meaningful for autistic people, but both good and bad experiences should be considered when using music as support.

This qualitative study explored the meaning and function of music in the lives of 13 autistic adults through in-depth interviews and hermeneutic-phenomenological analysis. Four main themes emerged: well-being, identity and self-development, connectedness, and negative experiences. Findings revealed that music serves diverse functions ranging from practical applications (making chores enjoyable) to profound existential purposes (choosing to stay alive). The research highlighted both positive and negative aspects of musical experiences, emphasizing the importance of considering both when using music therapeutically.

This study contributes valuable insights into the subjective experiences of autistic adults, particularly regarding artistic engagement and music's role in their daily lives.

Music-based interventions should consider both positive and negative effects. Clinicians should explore individual musical preferences and experiences. Music may serve important existential and identity functions beyond traditional therapeutic goals. Assessment of musical experiences should be comprehensive, addressing wellbeing, connectedness, and potential adverse effects.

Small sample size (13 participants) limits generalizability. Qualitative methodology provides rich insights but cannot establish causal relationships. The study focuses on subjective experiences which may vary significantly between individuals. No comparison with neurotypical controls to understand autism-specific aspects of musical experiences.

Subjective experiences of autistic adults remain under-researched, especially in the field of art. To learn more about their uses and functions of music, we interviewed 13 autistic adults and through a hermeneutic-phenomenological analysis found four overarching themes: Well-being, Identity and self-development, Connectedness, and Negative experiences. Findings show a broad and deep meaning of music in their lives, spanning from seemingly trivial functions such as making chores more enjoyable, to existential questions, such as choosing to stay alive. We discuss the often-overlooked negative effects or experiences of music, noting that positive and negative effects must always be addressed together if we are to use music to lower stress and support well-being.