Autism Movement Therapy Method

by Joanne Lara, Keri Bowers (With), Stephen M. Shore (Foreword)

A practical guide to the innovative Autism Movement Therapy ® (AMT) approach - structured movement and music classes designed to stimulate the brain, aid sensory processing and decrease problem behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorders. Reflecting a growing interest in the body-brain connection, and incorporating the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, the AMT approach uses music and movement to develop audio, visual, gross motor and spatial awareness skills in children with autism. The book breaks down the components of the typical 45 minute session, from circle games to story dances, and explains how the reader can create their own AMT program. This exciting new approach will complement other therapeutic techniques for children on the autism spectrum and can be used by a wide range of professionals, such as teachers, arts therapists and dance instructors, as well as parents and carers.

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2015

Reviews

[Douglas Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This straightforward book demonstrates the method and effects of Autism Movement Therapy, a simple technique of using dance movement to help people with Autism improve in numerous ways. As a practicing psychotherapist, I find that methods that engage clients' creative and active sides often create change better than traditional talk therapy. But with people on the Autism spectrum, this effect can be far stronger. My grad school thesis was on using Drama Therapy with children with ASD, and the results I found were very strong.

What's great about what Lara and Bowers offer here is that, as opposed to the sorts of interventions I studied, these techniques are so simple and pure, any parent, teacher, or therapist could easily use them, with no special training. Dance movement both helps the "client" develop social skills in a safe, nonthreatening environment, and helps them develop better senses of themselves in a spatial sense, a common struggle.

As a guide to working with the Autistic population, and as a delightful, encouraging introduction to creative action therapies, this short book scores. I will recommend it often.