Autism Movement Therapy Is Awesome!

Over the past 8 years, I have worked almost every day to help my daughter with issues related to her having autism. I am truly grateful because she has improved greatly since being diagnosed at the age of 2. Along the way, a variety of autism therapies have been tried. Three of the most effective have been RDI (Relationship Development Intervention), Autism Movement Therapy and horse riding therapy. I am going to write another blog post soon about a meeting between the leaders of RDI and Autism Movement Therapy. For now, I want to focus on Autism Movement Therapy. Simply put, my daughter loves this program. I do too.

Autism Movement Therapy is the first therapy designed for individuals with autism which combines movement and music. It stimulates communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain by actually bridging the two sides of the brain to increase overall cognitive functioning.

My daughter has worked through all four levels of the DVD. It remains one of her favourite DVD’s. She especially likes the section in which she and I work together to form random shapes in a high, medium or low level. I hope there will be more Autism Movement Therapy DVD’s. I am sure my daughter and many others want this as well.

Like many others, I have found a variety of therapies, along with a strong faith and prayers, has helped lead to the improvement in my daughter’s level of autism. She still has some hurdles to overcome, but I am grateful beyond measure when for all she has overcome and accomplished.

Here is some information I found on the Autism Movement Therapy website:

According to the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, autism strikes 1 in every 150 children born in the United States at an annual cost of $90 Billion in subsequent research, education and care. Recent studies indicate that bridging the left and right hemispheres of the brain allows information to be exchanged through transmitters that otherwise may remain dormant in children with autism. AMT literally awakens the brain by introducing a structured and fun form of therapy through music, dance and improvisation

Developed by Joanne Lara, M.A., Autism Movement Therapy combines a structured program of movement and music, connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain for a “whole brain” cognitive re-mapping approach that significantly increases concentration, focus and social interaction in the child.

AMT is a natural strategy for individuals with autism with limited speech and language communication skills, allowing them to express themselves through music and dance while simultaneously experiencing the thrill and joy of moving their bodies and developing a sense of self-determination and independence.

“AMT is the perfect solution for working with your child, student or client and assisting in the way that they interact with their peers, work in groups, and perform academically in the classroom,” stated Joanne Lara. “AMT allows you and your child or student to creatively move to structured sequences and patterns in your home, office or classroom for just fifteen minutes per day, two or three times a week.”