Moving on the spectrum: Dance/movement therapy as a potential early intervention tool for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Early challenges found in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is examined.
• The pairing of motor development and social/communication functioning is discussed.
• Dance/movement therapy framework offered for clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Intervention ideas which include mirroring, body awareness, and rhythm are reviewed.

The rising number of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses, in addition to the ability to recognize the disorder early, has led to much interest in early intervention tools. This theoretical work examines how dance/movement therapy (DMT) might be applied to address the early developmental connections between social and communication challenges and early motor maturation in young children diagnosed with ASDs. As a foundation for this discussion, literature pertaining to the early relationship of motor challenges and social/communication deficits is reviewed. A theoretical framework is proposed that promotes the integration and early development of these two realms based on DMT interventions and principles in children at high risk for or diagnosed with an ASD.