The Effects of Dance/Movement Therapy on the Pediatric Population with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Anna Marie Usery and Stephanie WiltonBellarmine University Physical Therapy Program

Introduction

Clinical Picture of a Child with ASD

Evidence

Student Reflection

Conclusion

Clinical Relevance

References

• Motor Development:2

-Hypotonia-Hyperflexibility-Probems with balance and postural control-Delayed gross and fine motor skills-Require more time to learn complex movements-Reduced strength-Respond better to visual cues rather than verbal-Slower reaction time during movement• Cognitive Development:2

-Usually moderate to severe intellectual disability-Motivation may be low

• ASD is the most common and costly pediatric diagnoses in the United States.5

- Physical Therapists are being incorporated into the treatment team more frequently due to the prevalence of motor impairments seen in children with ASD.• Dance therapy employs visual cues which

have been shown to be effective methods of sensory integration within this population.

• Dance therapy may be integrated into treatment when vestibular stimulation is indicated.

• No movements are considered “wrong,” as children are encouraged to build their movement vocabulary- Reduces anxiety. 3

• Dance and Movement therapy provide a nonverbal means of expression which evade communication barriers and help to promote integration, social and physical well-being of children with ASD.1

• Dance/Movement therapy based on three assumptions:1

- Movement reflects unique qualities and abilities of an individual - Relationship between therapist and patient promotes behavioral change through social interaction and active participation - Substantial changes can be made in motor functioning that in turn affect child as a whole

We feel that dance/movement therapy provides children with ASD an outlet to express their individuality through participation in physical activity while bypassing many traditional anxiety-provoking social and intellectual barriers of their normal environment. This intervention is adaptable to individual personalities through the incorporation of music and movement patterns that are specific to the child and likely to keep his/her motivation and interest. Additionally, dance therapy encourages active living which reduces the likelihood of developing complications secondary to a sedentary lifestyle. Dance therapy promotes increased aerobic endurance and gross strength in children with ASD.

In children with ASD, research has shown that dance therapy improves:• Standing/ tandem walking balance3

• Jumping balance (one foot, feet together)3

• Decreased irritability and depression4

Experimental dance therapy group made greater mean gains than the control (non-dance) group on all tests. 3Suggested that:• Children with ASD may have greater receptivity to the program’s

unique emphasis on movement and sound.4

• Dance therapy has been shown to make a positive impact on behavioral and cognitive symptoms in children with ASD. 1,3,4

• Dance therapy can be easily integrated in various settings. 3

FURTHER RESEARCH• Effects of physical therapy on motor

impairments in children with ASD not commonly examined through research.

• Research should be conducted on the effects of dance/movement therapy alone on children with ASD.

1. Freundlich BM, Pike LM, Schwartz V. Dance and Music for Children with Autism. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 1989;60(9):50-53.

2. Campbell SK, Palisano RJ, Orlin MN et al. Physical Therapy for Children. Saunders; 2011.3. Couper JL. Dance therapy: effects of motor performance of children with learning disabilities. Phys Ther.

1981;61(1):23-6.4. Rosenblatt LE, Gorantla S, Torres JA, et al. Relaxation response-based yoga improves functioning in young children with

autism: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(11):1029-35.5. Bhat AN, Landa RJ, Galloway JC. Current perspectives on motor functioning in infants, children, and adults with

autism spectrum disorders. Phys Ther. 2011;91(7):1116-29.

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