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Breathing to the Beat: Understanding Emotion Regulation and Physiological Responses to Music-Guided Breathing in Autistic Children
Research Team
Principal Investigator: Sungeun Kang
Co-Principal Investigators: Carrie Clark
Funding Information
Funding Agency: Office of Research and Innovation (ORI)
Award Date: Aug 1, 2026
End Date: Jul 31, 2027
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States, and its prevalence continues to increase.
In addition to differences in social communication and restricted patterns of behavior, many autistic youths experience significant emotion dysregulation — difficulties monitoring and adjusting emotional responses to environmental demands. This is associated with increased risk for anxiety, aggression, self-injury and academic difficulties. Such challenges can negatively affect long-term mental health, social functioning and quality of life for autistic youth and their families.
This pilot study is designed to evaluate the effects of music-guided breathing on emotion regulation and intervention engagement in autistic children. Music has long been recognized as effective in influencing emotional states and promoting calm, and autistic individuals often have strong responses to music.
Researchers will examine the effects of music-guided breathing on physiological regulation using heart rate variability, a well-established physiological indicator of emotion regulation. They will also evaluate children's behavioral engagement during the intervention through coded video observations.
Findings will be used to develop and evaluate enhanced interventions that support emotional and physiological regulation in autistic youth.