Adaptations in Music Lessons: Inclusion of a Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors

Katja Sevšek
University of Maribor, Faculty of Education
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2471-801X
Bojan Kovačič
University of Maribor, Faculty of Education
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2372-6328

Synopsis

The present research explores teaching adaptations in music education for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in mainstream elementary schools. We examined how teaching experience and exposure to students with ASD impact the use of inclusive strategies and teachers' self-assessed competence by conducting a structured survey of music teachers in Slovenian elementary schools. Results show that adaptation practices differ depending on teaching experience, with experienced teachers more likely to implement structured routines, quiet spaces, and environmental modifications. There is a moderate correlation between the frequency of adaptations used by teachers and their ability to identify ASD characteristics. The findings highlight the importance of practical experience and targeted training in fostering teachers' confidence and competence, as well as the need for ongoing professional development to create inclusive and supportive learning environments in music education.

Author Biographies

Katja Sevšek, University of Maribor, Faculty of Education

Katja Sevšek is a Professor of Music and a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Education, University of Maribor. She specialises in researching adaptations for mainstream education music lesson classrooms that cater to children with autism spectrum disorders. Her work aims to improve the learning experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder in the mainstream education system, emphasising the significance of inclusive practices.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: katja.sevsek@gmail.com

Bojan Kovačič, University of Maribor, Faculty of Education

Bojan Kovačič, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Education, University of Maribor. He teaches music courses at the Department of Elementary Education. His doctoral thesis focused on the characteristics of musically talented elementary school students (6-10 years old). His research focusses on talent development, music education, teaching methods, musical abilities, musical creativity, musical content, learning media and technology, folklore activities, and special needs.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: bojan.kovacic@um.si

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Volume

Selected Contemporary Research on Special Needs, Giftedness, and Talent in Slovenia

Pages

47-74

Published

June 13, 2025

Categories

Copyright (c) 2025 University of Maribor, University of Maribor Press

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Sevšek, K., & Kovačič, B. (2025). Adaptations in Music Lessons: Inclusion of a Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In B. Kovačič (Ed.), Selected Contemporary Research on Special Needs, Giftedness, and Talent in Slovenia (pp. 47-74). University of Maribor Press. https://press.um.si/index.php/ump/catalog/book/976/chapter/643