Dance Movement Psychotherapy

Contribution of Dance Movement Psychotherapy for the Wellbeing of Children on Autism Spectrum and their care givers: A Multidisciplinary Mixed Methods Approach

Supritha Aithal’s current position at Edge Hill University is PhD candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant.

“As a clinical practice, dance movement psychotherapy has shown its potential as one of the psychotherapeutic approaches in intervening children on the autism spectrum. Since the field is in its budding stage there is lack of evidence and well documented research to claim its effectiveness. It is also known that being caregivers of children on the autism spectrum can be very stressful and challenging. Hence, we would like to study the contribution of dance movement psychotherapy towards the wellbeing of children on the autism spectrum and their caregivers. We would also like to investigate the relationship between the caregivers’ state of wellbeing and their child’s state of wellbeing. In terms of methodology, participants will be recruited from different SEN schools. Methods will involve interviews, arts based (movement response) before and after dance movement psychotherapy intervention sessions for children and the caregivers.”

Suprtitha’s publications are currently under review process, and will be looking to share these once approved. Supritha is also applying for funding to expand the project and hopes she will be able to run these workshops at Abbot’s Lea School again in the future.

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