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Functional Movement – A New Direction in the Treatment of Autism and Other Neurological Dysfunction

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• Why researchers now call for a body-oriented approach

• Engage the brain via the body

• Understand and teach functional movement and motor control

• Use the 3 basic elements of all physical activity (Space, Time, Energy)

• To improve motor movement, social skills, attention and language                           

Current Research on Movement, Socialization and the Autistic Child 

   

• How movement affects “Theory of Mind”  

• Movement and the development of empathy

• The concept of “universality” - the power of moving together

 

Understanding Movement as the Precursor for Language Development

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• Movement and communication

• Action plus sound

• Gesture and facial expression

• Postural alignment

• Motor behavior and speech Production

 

The Link Between the Mirror Neuron System, Movement, Imitation and Functional Behavior

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• Understanding the biology of autism

• Engaging the Mirror Neuron System

• See an action, do an action, speak an action

• Modeling, music, movement

• Singing, imitation and motor activity

 

Evaluation – The Movement Evaluation Continuum - A New Theoretical Framework to Assess a Child’s Ability to Move Functionally

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• Identify movement deficits

• Create activities to address those deficits

• Integrate new knowledge into your current treatment plan

 

Creative Strategies that put Movement Theory into Practice

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• Rhythmic Cueing – the link between music and motor behavior

• Imitation/modeling

• Repetition, Routines, Predictability

• Anticipation/Inhibition

• Body Image

• Authentic movement

  • Visuals and Props

  • Attention and Co-contraction

  • Singing, Sound, and Music Making

  • Using Both Sides of the Brain

 

Lab Work -  Experience Eight Movement Studies to teach and inspire

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• The Tire Dance

• The Plate Dance

• The Card Dance

• The Weight Dance

• The Mountain

• The Mozart

• The Shape Dance

• The Scarf Dance

 

• Clarify and integrate movement vocabulary 

• Collaborate with peers and create your own movement studies

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Areas of Caution

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• Touch policies in the school

• Respecting the child’s terms

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