Autism Movement Therapy (AMT) is an empowering sensory integration strategy that connects both the left and right hemispheres of the brain (interhemispheric integrations) by combining pattering, visual movement calculation, audile receptive processing, rhythm and sequencing into a "whole brain" cognitive thinking approach that can significantly improve behavioral, emotional, academic, social, speech and language skills.
AMT is fun, involving music and dance that appeals to all ages. The program is available through live sessions. AMT is divided into three levels that take approximately 12-15 minutes to complete, with a fun Hip Hop level at the end. Each of the three levels is further divided into five sub-sections: A warm-up, stationary movement, locomotion movement, improvisation and relaxation or cool down. More importantly, each of the three levels are designed to scaffold on the level in the previous section, 3 on 2, and 2 on 1. The student begins with Level 1 and through repetition and predictability move to the next level when he has mastered the movement sequence and patterns, tempo and rhythm in the current section. In other words, he moves on when he has "mapped" the sequence and patterns (information), and when his body will reliably respond to that information (triggers).
Level 1 is designed for individuals with Emerging gross and fine (motor), and cognative skills. Level 1 introduces and trains the individuals to "map" by listening to the music (using his right brain), visually interpret the movement or from the demonstrator's body (using his left brain), and consequently move his body in space to the music (the whole brain approach). Level 1 is essentially "Listen, See and Do skills."
Level 2 the Developing skills level, is designed for the individual who is more advanced in his fine, gross, and cognitive abilities and who has mastered the Level 1 section. Level 2 focuses on longer sequences, more complex patterns, and an overall general appreciation of the dance form.
Level 3, the Proficient level, is designed for the advanced student who has mastered the skills in Level 1 and Level 2. This section involves more complex sequencing and pattering and combines improvisation with more challenging movement.
Level 4 is the Hip Hop or the independent instructional level. This level is designed for the student to dance to the beat, using the rhythm and tempo skills they have acquired in the previous three levels and to have fun. Our kids so often feel left out at parties and family gatherings and this creative, improvisational level helps in being more spontaneously engaged.
The goal is for the student to move easily from Level 1 to Level 3 over time. How long that takes depends on each student, how easily the brain responds to the remapping, and how quickly transmitters are being reprogrammed. The ultimate goal is that the student is able to execute combinations independently, without the adult model.
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