AMT:
Benefits of Dance/Movement therapy
AUTISM MOVEMENT THERAPY
- AMT is an interhemispheric sensory integration technique incorporating movement and music in collaboration with positive behavior strategies, assisting individuals with autism spectrum.
- Due to the wide spectrum of Autism, AMT is an entry way to building connections. Children are met where they are and through their way of processing. Movement is that universal starting point as everyone moves their bodies.
- Feeling understood is imperative for all humans and children with autism are no exception. Dance Movement therapy assists the children in the formation of relationships with their peers, therapists and family. The way we truly understand others is through connection. For those with Autism understanding their language is where we can begin to form the human-to-human contact and the first way we do this is through our bodies.
- According to to Christina Devereaux, Ph.D, BC-DMT Article in Psychology Today,
“It is important to note the intention is to first understand the person with autism and to help them modify their communication, so that the repetitive restricted behaviors can become channeled, the nervous system can settle, and social engagement can begin. This is the starting point of the dance movement therapy.”
“Treatment does not currently exist to address the biology of Autism, but dance/movement therapy addresses the ‘human effect’ by allowing others specifically parents to attune, connect and understand their child through the nonverbal language of dance/movement therapy. In turn creating a warmer and empathetic relationship with their child.
