Abstract

ABSTRACT
People with learning disabilities (LD) often experience challenges with activities of daily living
(ADLs), which can impact independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy (OT) interventions
that are personalised and engaging are needed to support functional skill development.
This case report describes “Sing It, Do It”, a co-produced, music-based occupational therapy
intervention to develop independence in bathing. The case concerns an adult with a moderate
LD, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and epilepsy receiving OT input from a community
learning disability team. A familiar and preferred melody was selected by the client, and
personalised lyrics were collaboratively developed to embed step-by-step bathing instructions
within a song. The intervention aimed to support task initiation, sequencing, pace, and sustained
attention through auditory and rhythmic cueing. A librarian-assisted literature review
identified limited but emerging evidence for song-based interventions supporting functional
skills in adults with LD, with most existing literature located within paediatric, educational, or
music therapy contexts. Outcomes were evaluated using structured task analysis, repeated clinical
observation, and caregiver report, reflecting real-world occupational therapy practice rather
than formal research measurement. Following implementation, the client demonstrated
increased initiation, reduced reliance on prompts, and improved independence in completing
the bathing routine. This case contributes to the emerging evidence base for creative, occupation-
focused interventions in adult learning disability services and highlights music-based
approaches as a practical and underutilised tool within occupational therapy practice.

Citations

Powles, Lucy, Using ‘Sing It, Do It’ to support functional skills: a case report of a music-based occupational therapy intervention for adults with learning disabilities, International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2026.2632861

Sponsorship: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2026.2632861

URI: https://oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/orka/title/using-sing-it-do-it-to-support-functional-skills-a-case-report-of-a-musicbased-occupational-therapy-intervention-for-adults-with-learning-disabilities/