Dynamic moving relationships with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in dyadic or group settings can create opportunities for developing relationships. Synchronous movements during rhythmic actions can create a state of social cooperation, shared purpose, and a sense of togetherness that may spark social connections between individuals—one of the core challenges in those with ASD. Moreover, group dance and movement environments provide opportunities for learning social skills such as imitation, turn taking/social reciprocity, joint attention, shared affect, and empathy.
In this webinar, Dr. Christina Devereaux will draw from core principles of dance therapy, social engagement theories, and sensory processing research as guiding perspectives for the participants. Core strategies utilizing a multisensory approach will be used to decode the neurophysiological communication that may be occurring through repetitive restrictive behaviors. It is essential to note, however, that any intervention approach with autism requires recognizing the complex nature of each individual’s unique differences, including strengths and challenges. When we begin to understand the emotional reasons behind the dance in children’s behaviors we can then learn to speak each child’s language and help support the acquisition of skills in a collaborative, reciprocal, moving relationship.
This event is presented by the National Centre for Dance Therapy and supported by the RBC Foundation. It is designed for therapists and educators working with individuals with ASD.
Duration: 1h webinar followed by a 30-minute Q&A.
Platform: Zoom.
Language: the webinar will be presented in English.
Price: the event is free of charge but you will need to register to save your spot (we will accept a limited number of participants).
Dr. Devereaux is an associate clinical professor and program director for the Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) and Counseling program at Drexel University (Philadelphia, USA). She served on faculty at the Pratt Institute (New York, USA) in the Department of Creative Arts Therapy and was program director for Dance/Movement Therapy at Antioch University New England (Keene, USA) in the Department of Applied Psychology. Internationally, she serves on the senior faculty of Inspirees, dance therapy training in China, Agape Belgium Academy, and Dance Therapy New Zealand. From 2011-2017, she was co-editor of the American Journal of Dance Therapy and was twice awarded the President's Award from the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) for her outstanding contributions to the profession (2008 and 2017). She has been featured on National Public Radio (NPR), CCTV, the largest television station in China, and as a presenter at the 2014 ADTA Talks series focusing on dance therapy and autism.
In addition to authoring many chapters and journal publications, she has a blog with Psychology Today ''Meaning in Motion: Dancing with the mind in mind''. Dr. Devereaux is a recognized scholar as well as national and international presenter specializing in dance therapy with attachment disorders, autism spectrum disorders, trauma, clinical supervision, mind-body integration, and embodied understanding of neurobiology.
