An innovative dance-choreographic therapy method for children with autism spectrum disorder: structured choreography as a therapy tool
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Aleskerova L.
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorders: according to the CDC, 1 in 36 children in the United States currently has an ASD diagnosis. Traditional approaches—applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy—do not address the need for additional tools that work through the body, movement, and emotional engagement. This article presents an innovative dance-choreographic therapy method for children with ASD, based on the use of folk choreography elements as a structured therapeutic tool. The method is built on a synthesis of three fields of knowledge: academic choreography, Ukrainian folk dance, and an understanding of the sensory processing characteristics of ASD. The four-component structure—rhythmic foundation, spatial navigation, emotional expression, and sensory regulation—is implemented in 25-30-minute group sessions with a predictable six-phase structure. The method draws on current scientific literature in the field of dance movement therapy (DMT) and has been empirically tested at EIFC and Ahead with Autism (California, 2024–2025) on a sample of five children. Preliminary clinical observations demonstrate positive changes in social interaction, communication, motor development, emotional regulation, and behavior. Prospects for formalizing the results include the use of standardized assessment instruments (ABLLS-R, VB-MAPP, Vineland-3, CARS-2, SRS-2, ABC) in a controlled pilot study.
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Authors
Aleskerova L.
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References:
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