For autistic children, navigating the world can sometimes be a challenge. They may experience difficulties with movements and social interactions. Thankfully, there are a variety of therapies available to help them thrive, and dance therapy is emerging as a powerful tool.
With autism diagnoses affecting 1 in 36 children in the US, it’s clear that autism presents a significant challenge. While the medical community continues to unravel the complexities of autism, families are actively seeking new ways to support their children.
Billions are invested in research to find the best methods to help autistic individuals reach their full potential. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is an approach gaining traction for its unique ability to address core autism deficits.
DMT is a form of creative arts therapy. A credentialed therapist builds a therapeutic relationship with the child and uses movement and dance as a tool for assessment and intervention. Unlike a dance class focused on routines or an exercise program focused on motor skills, DMT goes much deeper.
It’s a carefully tailored therapeutic process that can vary depending on the participant. A therapist may work with an individual child, focusing on their specific needs, or with a small group, fostering shared focus and social engagement. Therapists can even work with parents and families to improve the parent/child relationship.
What truly sets DMT apart is its focus on “dances of relationship.” Because autism presents on a spectrum, there’s no single “entry point” to connect with every autistic person. Therapists must meet the child where they are, understand their processing style, and essentially learn their “language” to build a foundation of mutuality.
The one universal language we all share is nonverbal communication through movement. Everyone, autistic or not, communicates non-verbally. This is where DMT begins. As a dance/movement therapist, I help decipher the meaning of these nonverbal exchanges.
Dance therapy offers a multitude of benefits for autistic children, reaching far beyond simply learning dance moves. As Professor Pramod Kerkar explains in his work “Benefits of Dance Movement Therapy for Autism,” it’s a form of therapy that uses movement and dance to improve communication, emotional expression, and motor skills.
A credentialed therapist creates a safe space where autistic children can explore themselves through movement, focusing on the individual’s needs rather than mastering specific choreography.
One of the most significant benefits of dance therapy is its ability to enhance social connection. Dance therapy provides opportunities for autistic children to engage with others in a shared activity, fostering cooperation, turn-taking, and relationship-building. These social interactions can lead to a greater sense of happiness and well-being.
Dance therapy also addresses sensory processing difficulties, a common challenge for autistic children. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of dance can be calming and help regulate emotions, while the focus on movement improves body awareness and proprioception (the sense of where one’s body is in space).
Furthermore, dance therapy can significantly improve communication skills, even for non-verbal children. Movement becomes a powerful tool for expression, allowing children to communicate emotions and ideas in a way that words may not come easily. This expanded communication vocabulary translates into better educational experiences.
Dance can be seen as a universal language, a way to transmit emotions and experiences through movement that transcends spoken words. This is particularly helpful for autistic children who may struggle with traditional forms of communication. Dance therapy provides a safe space for them to connect with others on a deeper level.
There is no single approach to dance therapy. Therapists employ a variety of techniques tailored to each child’s needs. Some sessions may involve free exploration with music, allowing the child to move intuitively and respond to the stimuli.
Other sessions may involve specific movements designed to target social interaction or emotional regulation. Common techniques include using props like thera-bands or balls to encourage movement, gentle touch therapy to guide movement patterns, and mirroring exercises to help develop a movement vocabulary.
Dance therapy can also be a powerful tool for developing emotional intelligence and empathy. By moving together and responding to each other’s movements, children can learn to understand and respond to the emotions of others.
This is further enhanced by a technique called “empathic reflection”. With this approach, the therapist observes the child’s movements, responds accordingly, and then re-observes to track progress and support growth.
Finally, the power of dance therapy is amplified when combined with other creative therapies like music, art, drama, and poetry. By working together, therapists from different disciplines can create a holistic approach that addresses multiple aspects of an autistic child’s development.
Introducing dance therapy to autistic children requires a gentle and individualized approach. Therapists utilize various techniques to create a safe and supportive environment where autistic individuals can explore themselves through movement and foster positive social interactions.
These are just a few examples, and a qualified dance therapist will tailor activities to meet the specific needs and interests of each child. By incorporating these techniques and activities, dance therapy can be a powerful tool for autistic children, helping them develop various skills.
Rainbow ABA, with certified therapists in New Jersey, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Texas, can help you determine if dance therapy is a good fit for your child. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the possibilities!
Sources:
Powered by WordPress