Dance/Movement therapy has been shown to be extremely beneficial for children with autism.
Dance is one of the purest forms of human expression. It has been around for ages and is a great outlet for all kinds of people. In recent years, dance/movement therapy (DMT) has gained attention for its benefits for children with autism. Let’s take a look at how therapists are using this form of therapy and why it is so effective.
What Exactly Is it?
DMT is the psychotherapeutic usage of dance and other movements to assist in the development of behaviors, emotions, and general movement patterns. It has been found to be especially effective for people with autism.
Dance/Movement Therapists
So what do these therapists do exactly? This is a great question. They use body movement as the main driver in dances they teach. Their aim is to get patients to build body awareness and general motor skills. In addition, they want their patients to develop social and communication skills through the movement patterns they teach. A DMT session may include fun and interactive games, creative dance, role playing and the usage of props. One of the main goals is for the patients to enjoy themselves in a healthy and constructive way.
The Benefits Associated With DMT
There are all kinds of benefits associated with DMT. To begin, it helps improve concentration, which will help a child progress with their education. Next, it helps with body awareness and general motor skills. This is important for overall well-being because general movement patterns are important for everyday life. Another great benefit from this form of therapy is it helps children develop higher levels of empathy. This is because by gaining social skills, children with autism will better understand emotions and be able to determine how others are feeling. Last but not least, it is a great way for children with autism to express themselves. DMT allows kids to have fun and show others what they are capable of.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (202) 561-1110 (Washington, D.C. office) or (301) 577-4333 (Lanham office). Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.